The most efficient split systems for a hot climate

How this ranking works

Every air conditioner sold in Australia carries the Zoned Energy Rating Label. It splits the country into hot, average and cold zones and gives each model a cooling and a heating star rating for each one, on a scale up to 10 stars. The same unit rates differently in each zone because the label weights its performance by that climate's hours of heating and cooling.

We rank on the hot-zone cooling stars because that is where a hot-climate unit uses most of its power. Only reverse cycle wall splits are included. Where models tie, the order within the tie means nothing; compare them on noise and price instead.

Why you should only compare stars within one size

Star ratings fall as units get bigger. A 2.5 kW split with 5.5 hot-zone stars is ordinary; a 7.1 kW with 5.5 is the best at its size. So the ranking runs size by size.

The very top scores at 2.5 and 3.5 kW belong to value brands, Haier and Hisense among them. Our brand pages cover what you trade for the lower price, which is mostly the size of the service network.

What else matters in a hot climate

• Size it for the afternoon. West-facing glass in a hot climate adds roughly a fifth to the load. Use the size calculator with your climate set to hot.
• Humidity. In Brisbane and further north, a correctly sized unit on dry mode does more for comfort than a bigger one blasting cold air. Oversized units short-cycle and leave the room clammy.
• Running hours. The more you run it, the more each star is worth. The running cost calculator shows what a star is worth at your tariff.
• Outdoor unit placement. Out of the afternoon sun and with room to breathe, it works less hard.

Shortlist two or three models at your size, then get up to three local quotes and ask each installer to price the one you want.