What Is a Good Energy Rating for Air Conditioners? Climate Green Breaks It Down
Choosing an air conditioner isn’t just about picking the right size or brand — the energy rating is one of the most important factors affecting your electricity bills, comfort, and long-term savings. With energy costs rising in Victoria and government rebates rewarding efficient systems, understanding energy ratings has never mattered more.
At Climate Green Melbourne, we guide homeowners across Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and surrounding suburbs in selecting high-efficiency heating and cooling solutions that deliver maximum comfort with minimum energy use.
In this guide, we break down what a good energy rating actually means and how to choose the right AC for Victorian conditions.
What Are Energy Ratings? A Quick Overview
Air conditioners in Australia are rated using the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) — a star-based system that shows:
- Heating efficiency rating (stars)
- Cooling efficiency rating (stars)
- Annual energy consumption for your climate zone
- Capacity output
- Noise level
- Brand + model details
Because Victoria falls under a Cool/Temperate climate zone, air conditioners must perform well in cooler environments where heating is essential.
Higher star ratings = better efficiency = lower running costs.
What Is Considered a Good Energy Rating in Melbourne?
Cooling Mode:
A good energy rating for cooling is 4 stars or above.
Modern premium models even reach 5–6 stars.
Heating Mode (Most Important in Victoria):
A good energy rating for heating is 4.5 stars or above, especially because heating uses more power in Victorian winters.
Why heating rating matters more:
Most Victorian homes use their AC for heating more hours per year than cooling.
A higher heating star rating can reduce yearly power costs significantly.
Good Energy Rating for Air Conditioners
| Star Rating | Meaning | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐–⭐⭐ | Low efficiency | Budget systems, rarely recommended |
| ⭐⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐½ | Mid-range | Occasional use, small rooms |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Good efficiency | Most homes in Melbourne |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+ | Excellent | Best for year-round use & lowest bills |
Why High Energy Ratings Matter for Air Conditioners
A higher energy rating can:
Reduce electricity bills
Efficient split systems consume much less energy for the same output.
Improve comfort
They maintain stable temperatures without constant cycling.
Extend system lifespan
Efficient machines run smoothly with less strain.
Qualify for Victorian rebates
Many high-efficiency ACs qualify under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme.
Work better in Victoria’s climate
Modern heat pumps with high heating star ratings can operate efficiently even in cold weather.
Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioners: The Most Efficient Option
Reverse-cycle air conditioners (heat pumps) are currently the highest-rated heating and cooling units in Australia.
They outperform:
- Gas ducted heating
- Panel heaters
- Oil heaters
- Electric resistive heaters
- Older AC split systems
A good reverse-cycle system can deliver 3–5 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed — something impossible for gas or resistive heaters.
Energy Rating + VEU Rebates = Big Savings
Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, homeowners can receive large rebates for upgrading to high-efficiency air conditioners.
Climate Green (Accredited Provider) helps customers:
Check eligibility
Select approved high-star systems
Process rebate paperwork
Schedule fast installation
Ensure full compliance
A high energy rating doesn’t just save on bills — it can reduce upfront costs through rebates.
Good Energy Rating for Air Conditioners Is Best for Your Home?
For small rooms (bedrooms, study):
4–4.5 stars cooling
4.5–5 stars heating
For medium rooms (living room):
4.5–5 stars cooling
5+ stars heating
For whole-home systems (multi-head, ducted heat pumps):
High heating rating is essential due to Victorian winters.
Climate Green can assess your home and recommend the ideal star rating and capacity.
How to Read the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)
Look for:
Number of stars
Higher = more efficient.
Blue section
Cooling efficiency in your climate zone.
Red section
Heating efficiency in your climate zone.
kWh consumption
Shows estimated annual energy use.
Noise rating
Quieter models improve indoor comfort.
Climate Green’s Recommendations for a Good Energy Rating
For Melbourne homeowners, we recommend:
Cooling: 4–6 stars
Heating: 4.5–6 stars
Especially if you use your AC for winter heating — those extra stars make a huge difference.
High-performing brands we often install:
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Daikin
- Fujitsu
- Midea VEU-approved units
- Rinnai split systems
- Haier (high-efficiency heat pumps)
All installed professionally by Climate Green.
Final Thoughts: Choose High Energy Ratings for Lower Bills & Better Comfort
A good energy rating isn’t just a label — it’s long-term savings, lower carbon footprint, and better performance year-round.
At Climate Green Melbourne, we help you choose the right high-efficiency system based on:
Your room size
Budget
Climate
Rebate eligibility
Usage pattern
Installation layout
If you want cleaner, smarter heating and cooling — a high energy rating is the way to go.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner Today
Ready to improve your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bills?
1300 001 690
info@climategreen.com.au
www.climategreen.com.au
Climate Green Melbourne — Accredited Provider, expert installation, and complete rebate support.
1. What is considered a good energy rating for an air conditioner?
A good energy rating is typically 4 stars or above for cooling and 4.5 stars or higher for heating — especially for Victorian homes where heating is used more often.
2. Why is the energy rating important when choosing an air conditioner?
The energy rating determines how efficiently the unit uses electricity. Higher-rated systems lower your power bills, reduce carbon emissions, and often qualify for Victorian rebates.
3. What is the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)?
ZERL is Australia’s updated star-rating label for air conditioners. It provides separate ratings for heating and cooling across different climate zones, including Victoria.
4. Do higher energy ratings reduce running costs?
Yes. High-efficiency systems consume significantly less electricity, which leads to lower annual energy bills — especially during winter heating in Melbourne.
5. Which AC type has the best energy rating?
Reverse-cycle split systems (heat pumps) have the highest energy efficiency. Many models reach 5–6 stars, making them ideal for all-year comfort.
6. Can I get rebates for high energy-rated air conditioners?
Yes. Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, eligible high-efficiency air conditioners qualify for rebates. Climate Green handles all paperwork and accredited installation.
7. Does a higher star rating mean better performance in cold weather?
Generally, yes. High-rated heat pumps are designed to maintain performance even in cold climates like Melbourne’s winter conditions.
8. What energy rating should I choose for whole-home heating?
Look for 4.5–6 star heating ratings. This ensures low-cost, efficient performance during long winter usage.
