Want the most efficient system for one room? Text us the room, its rough size and your suburb. Our automated quote assistant replies straight away, at any hour.
The most energy efficient air conditioner for your room is a split system sized to the room, with the most stars for your climate zone on the Zoned Energy Rating Label, compared only against models of the same capacity. Get the size right first, then compare stars and the annual kWh figure. A bigger system with the same stars still uses more electricity.
The quick answer
- Choose the size first, then use the stars to compare models of that size.
- Read the stars and the annual kWh for your own climate zone (hot, average or cold).
- Stars run from 1 to 10. More stars means less electricity for the same job.
- We supply and install 2.5 kW split systems from $1,814.51 including GST (Haier).
- There is no Queensland Government rebate for a household air conditioner in 2026.
How do you choose an energy efficient air conditioner?
Work through it in this order. The Energy Rating heating and cooling page gives the same advice: choose the size and features you need first, then use the stars to compare similar models.
- Size it to the roomThe right size depends on the space, the walls, the insulation and the windows, not on the stars.
- Find your climate zoneThe label rates each system for a hot, an average and a cold zone. The Energy Rating Calculator finds yours from your postcode.
- Compare like with likePut systems of the same capacity side by side, then pick the one with more stars and fewer kWh in your zone.
Most split systems are reverse cycle, so they heat as well as cool. The Australian Government calls reverse cycle air conditioners generally the most energy efficient combined heating and cooling system you can buy.
Three things to read on the label
Non ducted air conditioners sold in Australia must display the Zoned Energy Rating Label. In a store it’s mandatory on single phase, non ducted single split systems up to 30 kW. Online it isn’t, so ask the seller for it.
| Part of the label | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Capacity (top) | How much cooling and heating the system delivers, in kW. Use this to match like with like. |
| Stars (middle) | Efficiency for each climate zone, from 1 to 10 stars, compared with models of similar size and features. |
| Annual kWh (right) | Estimated electricity used per year, cooling in blue and heating in red, for each zone. |
| Noise (bottom left) | Sound at full power in dB(A), inside and outside. Worth checking if the outdoor unit sits near a bedroom. |
The Energy Rating site explains the label in full on its Zoned Energy Rating Label page. For how the stars are worked out, see our fuller air conditioner energy rating guide.
Size counts before stars
Stars only compare systems of a similar capacity. The Energy Rating site gives the reason: when two systems both have 5 stars, the larger one uses more electricity and costs more to run.
Getting the size wrong works against you both ways. A system that’s too small works harder and may not hold the temperature. One that’s too big costs more to buy and more to run. Our guide on what size air conditioner you need matches room sizes to kW.
Our view: pick the smallest system that will hold the room at temperature on a hot afternoon, then buy the most stars you can at that size.
Energy efficient air conditioner options we install
We supply and install three brands of split system. Star ratings differ from model to model within each brand, so ask us for the label figures of the exact model we quote.
| System | Price including GST |
|---|---|
| Haier 2.5 kW single head split | $1,814.51 |
| Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 2.5 kW single head split | $2,031.81 |
| Daikin 2.5 kW single head split | $2,140.40 |
| 3.5 kW single head split | from $2,014.50 |
| 5.0 kW single head split (dedicated circuit included) | from $2,414.50 |
The 2.5 kW prices are for a back to back install on a single storey home. A wall bracket is an extra $104.50 including GST. Each brand has its own page: Haier air conditioner installation in Brisbane, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioning in Brisbane and Daikin air conditioning installation in Brisbane. Our brand comparison sets them side by side.
Text for a quote Call 07 4428 2766
Keep it efficient once it’s in
An efficient system can still waste power if it’s set too cold or the filters are blocked. These tips come from the Energy Rating heating and cooling page.
- Set it to 25 to 27°C in summer. Each extra degree of cooling adds about 5 to 10 per cent to energy use.
- Clean the filters. Dirty filters cut airflow and efficiency.
- Use a timer so it doesn’t run when nobody needs it.
- Turn on sleep mode at night if the system has it.
- Run a ceiling fan too, so you can set a higher temperature.
A split system service and clean is $341 including GST for one unit. Our air conditioning service Brisbane page lists what it covers.
Common questions about efficient split systems
Is there a rebate for an energy efficient air conditioner in Queensland?
No. Queensland has no state rebate for a household air conditioner in 2026, and Energex has closed PeakSmart to new participants. Our Queensland rebates guide lists what closed and what’s still open.
Does Wi-Fi control make a system more efficient?
Not by itself. The efficiency comes from the system. An app or timer only helps if you use it to switch the system off when nobody’s home.
Is a split system cheaper to heat with than a bar heater?
Usually, yes. The Energy Rating site says an air conditioner moves three to five units of heat into the room for every unit of electricity, where a standard electric heater makes about one.
Our advice
Get the size right for the room first. Then compare the stars and annual kWh for your climate zone across systems of that same size, and pick the one with more stars. Keep the filters clean and set it to 25 to 27°C in summer.
Get a fixed price for an efficient split system
Text us the room, its rough size and your suburb. 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 “Understand the Zoned Energy Rating Label” (energyrating.gov.au). 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
Air Conditioner Repair Cost: A 2026 Guide- Air Conditioner Installation Price Brisbane 2026: What to Expect
- Split System Brands Compared for Brisbane Homes 2026
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