Zoned Energy Rating Label
It is a requirement that all residential heat pumps/air conditioners, including portable units, have an Energy rating Label supplied with them and displayed on the product in stores.
The Zoned Energy Rating Label tells you which heat pumps/air conditioners will perform best in different climate zones of New Zealand and Australia.
What's on the label
- A star rating of up to 10 stars for both heating and cooling
- Brand name and model number
- Heating capacity at two outdoor temperatures and cooling capacity at one outdoor temperature (in kW)
- Annual energy use in three climate zones across Australia and New Zealand - hot, average, cold (in kWh)
- The noise level of the unit when running (in db(A))
How efficiency ratings are calculated
The annual energy consumption and star rating for a heat pump/air conditioner in different climate zones is calculated based on testing the unit’s performance at a range of outside temperatures: 7°C and 2°C for heating, and 35°C for cooling.
This calculation takes into account:
- Standby power (time at standby is dependent on zone)
- The type of compressor (variable speed, fixed speed, two-stage)
- Estimates of the number of hours the unit will be used for in the different zones (based on climate data)
Portable heat pumps/air conditioners
Labelling requirements for portable heat pumps/air conditioners came into force on 1 July 2021. Portable double duct units will display at least half a star, while single duct units display zero-star ratings.
Although they release cool air, single duct portable air conditioners are not efficient at cooling a space. This is due to a reduction of air pressure inside the room, caused by the unit drawing air from inside the space and venting it outside. The reduction in air pressure pulls warm air back inside from other areas, counteracting the cooling effect of the unit.
Labelling requirements
SCOPE FOR HEAT PUMPS/AIR CONDITIONERS(external link)
SCOPE FOR PORTABLE HEAT PUMPS/AIR CONDITIONERS(external link)