Unit Owners Association of Queensland Inc

From 1 July 2009, new or replacement air-conditioners installed (via plug or hard wired) in houses, townhouses and units in Queensland must have a minimum energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 2.9. The EER is the industry-recognised measure for gauging the energy efficiency level for cooling in air-conditioners. An EER of 2.9 is generally equivalent to 4-stars on a current energy rating label.

If you're installing a system after 1 July 2009, it is important that you purchase a system that meets the minimum 2.9 EER.

It is important that homeowners do not purchase systems that don’t meet a minimum 2.9 EER if they will be installing them after 1 July 2009.

The requirement applies to both single-phase (i.e. the 230 volt system most commonly used in homes to operate appliances and small motors) air-conditioners and three-phase (i.e. the 400 volt system typically used to efficiently run larger electric motors and appliances) air-conditioners up to 65 kW in output capacity. This includes split systems, ducted systems and window units. The new regulations will not be applicable to evaporative air-conditioners or portable coolers and will not affect systems installed in commercial premises.

If a system is not labelled with the EER or star rating, the tested average EER for all models currently registered in Australia can be found at http://www.energyrating.gov.au/ or by contacting the manufacturer. For further information on how to comply with the new requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, click here for a fact-sheet. For technical information in regards to installation, optimisation and positioning of your air-conditioner a guideline will be available here in the coming weeks.