Top-rated air cons in Hong Kong vary by 33% in cooling efficiency, watchdog finds

The cooling efficiency of 13 air conditioner models bearing Hong Kong’s top energy label can vary by up to 33 per cent, the consumer watchdog has found. The Consumer Council on Thursday released test results for 13 models of 1.5-horsepower inverter split-type air conditioners, finding “substantial differences” in energy-saving performance among units with a Grade 1 label and calling for improved grading standards. “Apart from the Grade 1 energy label, [consumers] can also check the annual energy consumption shown on the labels to compare energy-saving performance,” said Alaina Shum Jiu-fai, chief executive of the watchdog. Among the 13 models, seven were reverse-cycle air conditioners priced from HK$8,380 to HK$19,610 (US$1,070 to US$2,504), while the rest were cooling-only units priced between HK$4,890 and HK$7,880. The tests, commissioned by the council and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, found that the Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF), which measures cooling energy efficiency, ranged from 5.057 to 7.510, with higher values indicating better efficiency. “Despite all models being rated Grade 1, the differences in cooling energy efficiency were significant,” the council said. “Based on CSPF values, the most energy-efficient model could save up to 33 per cent more energy annually than the least efficient one.” The most efficient model is from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, while the least efficient is from TOSOT. However, the tested models were about 11 per cent more efficient than those in a similar test conducted five years ago. In terms of heating performance, the most efficient model could also save 14 per cent more electricity annually than the least efficient one. The council also found that two models fell short of their claimed cooling capacity, despite meeting international standards, while one model did not meet its claimed heating capacity. The watchdog noted that the current energy efficiency standards for split-type air conditioners’ cooling performance had been in place since 2014. “The council opines that there is room to further strengthen the grading standards of air conditioners to better reflect actual energy efficiency differences among products to help consumers make informed choices and encourage suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient products, thereby promoting sustainable consumption,” it said. The services department said it would begin technical discussions with industry this year to raise energy-efficiency standards for both split‑type and window‑type air conditioners. It added that it continuously monitored product energy efficiency and periodically reviewed grading standards under the mandatory labelling scheme to encourage importers to bring in more efficient models. Meanwhile, after-sales terms varied widely. Nearly half of the models came with only a one-year full-machine warranty, while just one offered three years of full coverage. Two models did not offer extended warranty options. Complaints about air conditioners have surged in early 2026, with the council receiving 66 cases in the first four months of the year, more than double the 29 recorded in the same period last year. The council has received 1,200 complaints about air conditioners since 2023.