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An air conditioner energy rating in Australia is shown on the Zoned Energy Rating Label: 1 to 10 stars for cooling and heating in three climate zones, plus the yearly kWh use for each zone. Brisbane is in the hot zone, so you read the hot zone stars and kWh. More stars means a more efficient system, compared with models of a similar size.
The quick answer
- Every non ducted air conditioner sold in Australia must carry the Zoned Energy Rating Label.
- The label rates each system from 1 to 10 stars, with blue stars for cooling and red stars for heating.
- There are three zones: hot, average and cold. The government’s guide to the label puts Brisbane in the hot zone.
- Pick the size first, then compare stars and yearly kWh between models of that size.
- A 2.5 kW split system from us is supplied and installed from $1,814.51 including GST.
What does an air conditioner energy rating mean?
The star rating shows how much energy a system uses compared with similar products. The federal Energy Rating site, heating and cooling, says products get 1 to 10 stars, and more stars means more efficient when you compare models of a similar size and features.
The label is required on non ducted air conditioners, which covers the wall split systems most Brisbane homes buy. It rates each system for a year of use in each climate zone, because the same unit works harder in some climates than others.
How to read the Zoned Energy Rating Label
The government’s two page guide, How to read the Zoned Energy Rating Label, explains each part. Here’s what each part tells you.
| Part of the label | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Capacity (top) | How many kW of cooling the system gives at 35°C outside, and how many kW of heating at 7°C and at 2°C. |
| Stars | One cooling rating (blue) and one heating rating (red) for each zone: hot, average and cold. |
| Zone map | Shows which zone you’re in. Brisbane is in the white hot area, so you read the hot ratings. |
| Energy use (kWh per year) | The estimated electricity the system uses in a year, cooling in blue and heating in red, for each zone. Lower is cheaper to run. |
| Noise | How loud the system is at full power in dB(A). A split system has an inside and an outside figure. |
The outdoor noise figure matters if the unit will sit near a bedroom window or your neighbour’s house. That’s worth checking before you settle on where the outdoor unit goes.
Our view: in Brisbane, look at the hot zone cooling stars first. That’s the rating that matches how most local homes use a split system.
Text for a quote Call 07 4428 2766
Turning the kWh figure into a running cost
The government’s guide gives a simple method. Add the cooling and heating kWh per year for your zone, then multiply the total by your electricity price per kWh from your bill. That gives an estimate of the yearly cost to run the system.
- Find the hot zone row on the label.
- Add the blue (cooling) and red (heating) kWh figures.
- Multiply by the price per kWh on your power bill.
The label’s figure is an estimate for a standard year of use. How you run the system changes the real number. The Energy Rating site says each extra degree of cooling or heating adds about 5 to 10% to energy use, and suggests 25 to 27°C in summer. It also says dirty filters cut airflow and efficiency.
For a worked method with your own hours and tariff, see our air conditioner running cost guide.
A professional service and clean is $341 including GST for one unit. Our air conditioning service Brisbane page sets out what it covers.
Choosing a system: size first, then stars
Stars only compare like with like. The Energy Rating site says to choose the size and features you need first, then use the stars to compare similar models. A system that’s too small works harder, and one that’s too big costs more to buy and to run.
Three steps before you buy, from the government’s guide
- Work out the sizeThe kW you need depends on the room, the walls, insulation and windows.
- Find your zoneBrisbane is in the hot zone. The Energy Rating Calculator shows other places.
- Compare stars and kWhOnly between models of a similar capacity and features.
Then estimate the running cost, as set out above. Our guide on what size air conditioner you need covers the first step, and the Energy Rating Calculator lets you compare registered models side by side.
The brands we install, and who can install them
We supply and install Haier, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Daikin split systems. Each brand’s models carry their own label, so compare the hot zone stars for the exact model and size you’re quoted.
| Brand | Price including GST |
|---|---|
| Haier split system | $1,814.51 |
| Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | $2,031.81 |
| Daikin | $2,140.40 |
Those prices are for a back to back install on a single storey home. A wall bracket is an extra $104.50. Prices for every size are on our aircon prices Brisbane page.
In Queensland a split system install needs two licences: an ARCtick licence to handle the refrigerant and an electrical licence for the wiring. We hold both (ARCtick L181564, electrical contractor licence 90552), so one team does the whole air conditioning installation in Brisbane. Our office is in Woodridge, so air conditioning installation in Logan is local work for us.
Common questions about air conditioner energy ratings
Do ducted and multi split systems carry the label?
Not always. The Energy Rating site lists ducted, three phase and multi split air conditioners among the systems that don’t have to carry the Zoned Energy Rating Label, although ducted and three phase models may carry one voluntarily.
Is a higher star model worth the extra cost?
Work it out from the label. Take the difference in yearly kWh between the two models, multiply it by your price per kWh, and compare that yearly saving with the difference in purchase price.
Can a reverse cycle split system heat as well as cool?
Yes. The Energy Rating site says reverse cycle air conditioners move heat rather than make it, and can move three to five units of heat for every unit of electricity, which is why the label has heating stars too.
Where can I read more about efficient systems?
Our guide to the best energy efficient air conditioner options compares the features that affect running costs.
Our advice
Get the size right first, then compare the hot zone cooling stars and yearly kWh of models that size. Once it’s in, keep the filters clean and set it at 25 to 27°C in summer, as the Energy Rating site suggests.
Get a fixed price for an efficient split system
Text us your suburb, the room and the models you’re comparing. Our automated quote assistant replies straight away, at any hour.
Text for a quote Call 07 4428 2766
Calls are answered Monday to Friday, 7am to 3:30pm. Or send the details online.
Prices current as of 5 October 2026 and include GST. Sources: Australian Government Energy Rating, “Heating and cooling” and “How to read the Zoned Energy Rating Label”; Energy Rating Calculator. This article is general information. It is not advice about your home or system.
Related guides
How to Prevent Air Conditioner Short Cycling
Air Conditioner Replacement Cost Brisbane: 7 Key Factors
Best Energy Efficient Air Conditioner Options- Air Conditioner Installation Cost Brisbane 2026: Full Price Guide
- Air Conditioner Electricity Usage: Calculate Costs
All guides: electrical and air conditioning guides.
Licensed electricians and ARCtick refrigeration technicians, Queensland Electrical Contractor Licence 90552 and ARCtick L181564. We install and service split systems and do the electrical across Logan, Brisbane southside, Ipswich and the northern Gold Coast.
About Faze | Call 07 4428 2766 | Text 0489 275 747