A label showing climate zones

The new Zoned Energy Rating Label tells you which heat pumps/air conditioners will perform best in different climate zones of New Zealand and Australia.

The label includes how much electricity the unit will use per year for heating and cooling, and how loud the unit is when running.

From 1 July 2021, new portable air conditioner stock will need to display an Energy Rating Label for the first time.

What you need to know

Retailers and installers

Retailers must display the new label correctly.

Retailers and installers need to understand the changes and the new label to explain these to customers.

Detailed information for retailers and installers [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Download the poster [PDF, 1.6 MB]

Importers and manufacturers

As well as the labelling changes, you need to be aware of upcoming regulation changes and compliance requirements.

Details on the new regulations

You need to comply with the updated regulations which came into force on 1 July 2021. The air conditioner page can provide more information about the new requirements.

Key features

Current Energy Rating Label

New Zoned Energy Rating Label
  • Up to 10 stars for both heating and cooling.
  • Up to 10 stars for both heating and cooling.
  • Capacity and power in kW.
  • Capacity in kW.
  • Performance provided does not take into account climate zones.
  • Performance provided for three climate zones (hot, average, cold) across Australia and New Zealand.
  • Output capacity for heating and cooling at one outdoor temperature.
  • Output capacity for heating at two outdoor temperatures and cooling at one outdoor temperature.
  • Input power for heating and cooling.
  • Energy use for heating and cooling (depending on zone) in kWh.
  • Whether the unit has a variable speed compressor.
  • Type of compressor (variable speed, fixed speed, two-stage) built into performance calculations.
  • If the unit is demand response capable.
  

Performance calculations

Energy Rating Label Zoned Energy Rating Label
  • Star ratings for heating (or cooling) are based on the efficiency of the heat pump at one outside temperature of 7°c (35°c for cooling).
  • Star ratings and energy used for heating (or cooling) are based on the test information of the heat pump at two outside temperatures at 7°c and 2°c (35°c for cooling). Uses test information  to determine the heat pump’s performance (heat output, and efficiency) across a range of climate temperatures.
  • The calculation takes into account standby power, and assumes standby time of 6760 hours a year.
  • The calculation takes into account standby power, and time at standby is dependent on zone.
  • The calculation assumes that the heat pump is heating (or cooling) for 2000 hours a year, and does not take into account the climate the heat pump may be operating in.
  • Uses climate data (dependent on zone) to estimate the number of hours the heat pump will be on for heating (or cooling) across a range of climate temperatures.
 
  • Aligns with Energy Rating Labels on other products as it shows energy used.