Simple Guide to Using The ZERL Energy Calculator

Want to see how energy-efficient your air conditioner is? Or are you shopping around for a new AC and want to know what it could cost to run in your area? The ZERL Energy Calculator for Consumers can provide you with the answers. 

Whether you’re doing your own research or checking AC models recommended by your technician, this short guide will show you how to use Australia’s official Energy Rating Calculator for Consumers, to check an AC’s efficiency based on any Australian postcode and local climate zone.

Step 1: Start the ZERL Energy Calculator

• Access the Calculator: Go to https://calculator.energyrating.gov.au/.

• Select Product: Click on the "Air conditioners" tile.

Screenshot from the Energy Rating Calculator for Consumers website by the Australian Government

Step 2: Set Your Location and Climate

The calculator needs to know your post code to give an estimated running cost based on the average usage in your area, electrical tariff, and the efficiency of the AC in your climate zone.

• Enter Your Postcode: When prompted, type in the post code for where the unit is or will be installed. It will autofill your Climate Zone. Click Go. 

Example of Enter Your Postcode prompt on the Energy Rating Calculator for Consumers website

Step 3: Find and Filter AC Models

Once the screen loads you will be able to search for a specific air conditioning model, or browse the database of registered air conditioning models. Registered air conditioning models have been submitted by the manufacturer to the Greenhouse & Energy Minimum Standards Regulator (GEMS).

You have 2 options at this point - using FIND A MODEL or FILTERS

• Find a Model: Search by brand names and/or model numbers.

  • Brand: Select one or more brands to explore models and energy ratings, and/or

  • Model: Search by model numbers to specify the results.

    
    

💡Tip: If you want to compare multiple brands you can add the brands you want to compare in the Brand field. If you do this do not add the model number into the Model field.

• Filters: If you don’t have a specific brand or model in mind, use the filters to narrow your search to the type, size and performance to provide options to explore.

• Filter categories: 

  • Heating / Cooling: Select whether you’re searching for a cooling only system or reverse cycle for heating and cooling abilities.

  • Star Rating: Heating / Cooling: Set your preferred minimum and maximum energy star ratings for heating or cooling performance.

  • Ducted / Non-ducted: Choose between ducted systems (whole-home solutions) or non-ducted systems (single room or multi-room solutions).

  • Installation Type: We recommend leaving this blank unless you have spoken to an installer regarding your installation options.

  • Capacity: Cooling / Heating: Define your preferred size parameters (kW capacity) for heating and/or cooling to ensure the system matches your space requirements.

    
    

💡Tip: If you are unsure about the difference between ducted and non-ducted or size requirements for your area, we recommend reading our blog Essential Guide to Choosing an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning Unit.

Once you have used either the Find a Model or Filters search options, click 'apply' filter to see the results.

Filtered brand results example

💡Tip: In the top left hand corner of the filtered air conditioning systems, you will find a down arrow to sort the results by highest or lowest energy rating.

Step 4: View Efficiency and Running Costs

After selecting a model, the calculator will display performance and cost details for your climate zone.

• Review the ZERL Label: See the latest star ratings for heating and cooling, based on your specific Australian climate zone conditions.

• Check Running Costs: View the estimated annual energy use and, for some models, a 10-year running cost based on your state’s average electricity tariff.

  
  

*NOTE: Every state or territory has a different electricity tariff. The tool will auto-select a tariff for the state or territory you are in. Tariff’s do not include discounts or solar based tariff’s.

💡Tip: For more accurate Energy Tariff results, enter your actual electricity rate per kWh (found on your power bill) in ‘Customise Your Results’ on the main page.

Example showing ZERL information

Step 5: Compare Models

You can shortlist multiple air conditioners for side-by-side comparison by clicking “Shortlist” under each unit.

Once you have shortlisted your chosen air conditioner systems, click ‘Compare shortlisted air conditioners’ at the bottom of the page. These results can be emailed to you by clicking on the ‘Email shortlist’ button.

💡 Note: All results are based on standard government testing. Your actual energy use may differ depending on how often and how you operate your AC. Use this as a guideline only.

Final Thoughts on the ZERL Calculator

The ZERL Energy Calculator is a great way to see how different air conditioners perform and the estimated cost of their performance - especially in your local climate. 

Take a few minutes to explore your options before buying and see the difference efficiency could make. Want to learn more about understanding the new ZERL energy labels? Check out our blog Simple Guide to Using the ZERL Calculator.

If you have any other questions about air conditioning systems like warranty conditions and periods, spare part availability after the warranty period, or even the cost to purchase - we are here to help. Contact our team on 1300 904 554 or email us at info@nationalacparts.com.au.