Certain types of air conditioners must meet national minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) before they can be sold in Australia. They include split systems, window wall units and ducted refrigerative air conditioners up to 65 kilowatts in size.
MEPS don't apply to evaporative or portable air conditioners.
On 1 October 2011 more stringent national MEPS for air conditioners commenced. These were championed by South Australia in the Council of Australian Governments 2009 National Strategy on Energy Efficiency. These national MEPS supersede South Australia's specific requirements that applied from 1 January 2010.
It is illegal to sell an air conditioner in South Australia which doesn't meet the national MEPS. For more information, see the air conditioner links on the Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee's
Overview of standards by product page.
If you are a purchasing an air conditioner for your home or business, see
Energy efficient cooling.
These requirements will reduce the amount of energy consumed by air conditioners. A highly efficient air conditioner requires less electricity to cool an area in a home or workplace than an inefficient air conditioner.
This is particularly beneficial on hot days where air conditioner use is strongly linked to the high demand for electricity.
A lower energy requirement for powering air conditioners will reduce the costs of supplying electricity and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Additional
measures to better manage South Australia's air conditioner energy use are being implemented by the South Australian Government.
More information
Other websites
National MEPS requirements for air conditioners - Energy Rating