Hong Kong's top-rated air cons vary 33% in cooling efficiency

The Consumer Council of Hong Kong released test results for 13 models of 1.5-horsepower inverter split-type air conditioners, all carrying the city's highest Grade 1 energy label. Despite the uniform rating, the Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) — a measure of cooling energy efficiency — varied from 5.057 to 7.510, a difference of up to 33%. Among the tested units, seven were reverse-cycle air conditioners priced between HK$8,380 and HK$19,610 (US$1,070 to US$2,504), while six were cooling-only units costing HK$4,890 to HK$7,880. The council, which conducted the tests jointly with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, called the differences "substantial" and urged the government to improve the grading system.

Council chief executive Alaina Shum Jiu-fai advised consumers not to rely solely on the Grade 1 label. Instead, she recommended checking the annual energy consumption figure shown on the label to compare actual energy-saving performance across models. The findings underscore that a top energy label does not guarantee uniform efficiency, potentially costing consumers hundreds of dollars in electricity bills over the lifetime of the unit. The council's recommendation implies that tighter grading tiers or additional metrics may be needed to help Hong Kong residents make informed purchasing decisions in a market where air conditioning accounts for a significant portion of household energy use.