Zoned Energy Rating Label

This page provides key information on the new Zoned Energy Rating Label for importers, manufacturers, retailers and installers.

The Zoned Energy Rating Label gives consumers, retailers and installers more information about which heat pump/air conditioner will perform best in their climate zone. (Air conditioners are typically known as ‘heat pumps’ in the New Zealand residential market).

This new label aims to overcome some of the limitations of the current Energy Rating Label for heat pumps/air conditioners.

The new Zoned Energy Rating Label:

Current Energy Rating Label                                  New Zoned Energy Rating Label

 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.

Retailers and installers

We expect that manufacturers will begin supplying heat pumps with the new Zoned Energy Rating Label from late 2019.

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

The regulations for portable air conditioners have also been updated to specify a Zoned Energy Rating Label. Once the new regulations come into force (expected to be in late 2020), portable air conditioners will need to display the Zoned Energy Rating Label for the first time.

Retailers must display this new label correctly at point of sale.

Here are some resources to help explain the new Zoned Energy Rating Label, and information on how to comply with the law.

Importers and manufacturers

In addition to the labelling changes, there are also a number of regulation changes that will affect importers and manufacturers.

Please see the relevant information sheets for information about the new requirements and how to meet them.

It is anticipated that the amended regulations will be approved and come into force in late 2020. An exact date cannot be provided at this time as the process of amending the regulations is dependent on a number of regulatory and administrative requirements, but in the interim you must either:

  • Meet the current regulation requirements or
  • Meet the new regulation requirements voluntarily.

A minimum of 6 months notice will be provided before the amended regulations come into force. Once the new regulations become mandatory air conditioners will have to meet the new requirements.

Information sheets