When shopping for an air conditioner, you’ll notice a colourful energy label on every unit. These are Zoned Energy Rating Labels (ZERLs). They look a bit like the old star labels but give you more accurate information about energy use. Here’s how to read them, why they matter, and how they can help you pick the right cooling for your home.
What is a Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)?
A ZERL shows how efficient an air conditioner is in different climate zones across Australia. Instead of one star rating, the label shows three — one each for hot, average, and cold zones.
This means you can see how a system will perform in your local conditions, not just a national average.
How Do ZERLs Work for Air Conditioners?
Each label has:
- Stars for each zone – the more stars, the better the efficiency.
- Annual energy use (kWh) – shows how much electricity the unit will consume in a year for that climate.
- Cooling and heating ratings – so you can compare both modes if your unit does both.
This gives a clearer picture of running costs across different regions.
Why Do ZERLs Have Climate Zones?
Australia has extreme differences in climate. A system that performs well in Brisbane may not run as efficiently in Hobart. By showing ratings for three zones, ZERLs let buyers choose based on where they live.
- Hot zone – suited for tropical and desert climates.
- Average zone – covers much of Australia’s temperate cities.
- Cold zone – for cooler southern regions and inland areas.
How to Use ZERLs When Buying an Air Conditioner
When comparing models:
- Find your zone on the map printed on the label.
- Compare the stars for that zone across different models.
- Check the kWh figure to estimate running costs.
- Balance upfront price with long-term savings – a slightly more expensive but efficient unit often saves more over time.
ZERL vs Traditional Energy Star Labels
Older labels only gave a single star rating, which often didn’t reflect real performance in your climate. ZERLs fix that by providing climate-specific data, making it easier to compare units fairly.
For buyers, this means fewer surprises on your energy bill.
The Bottom Line
ZERLs take the guesswork out of choosing an air conditioner. By showing how units perform in different climates, they help you compare models more fairly and predict running costs more accurately.
If you’re buying a new system this summer, keep an eye on the label — and check out Bi-Rite’s full range of air conditioners to find one that suits your home and climate.
FAQ: Zoned Energy Rating Labels
What is a Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)?
A ZERL shows how much energy an air conditioner uses in different Australian climate zones.
How do ZERLs work for air conditioners?
They display separate star ratings and kWh usage for hot, average, and cold zones.
Why do ZERLs have climate zones?
Because air conditioners work harder in some regions. ZERLs make efficiency comparisons fairer.
How can I use ZERLs when buying an air conditioner?
Match your location to the right zone, then compare stars and kWh to see which unit saves more.
What’s the difference between ZERLs and old labels?
Old labels gave one rating for the whole country. ZERLs are zone-specific, making them more accurate.
