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If you are planning to buy a new air conditioner in 2026, you have to know that the Energy Commission (ST) is introducing a new energy efficiency star-rating standard
In a statement yesterday, 30 December, ST stated that the implementation of the new standard will be for the 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029 period.
The commission said the move is in line with the Guideline of Energy-Using Product (EUP), and is also part of the government's ongoing efforts to increase energy efficiency levels and encourage the use of more efficient and sustainable electrical products.
"Under this new star rating schedule, the minimum rating values under the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) have been updated and upgraded.
"This improvement takes into account stricter star rating criteria to reflect current technological advancements and higher energy efficiency standards," it said.
During this transition period, there will be air conditioning products on the market that still use the old energy efficiency labels.
This is because the application of the new star rating only applies to products that submit Energy Efficiency Certificate applications on or after 1 January 2026.
Products that obtained an Energy Efficiency Certificate before 1 January 2026 are still permitted to use existing labels until the validity period of that certificate expires
Below is a guide for consumers who wish to purchase an air conditioner from 2026 to 2029:
1. If the year stated on the energy efficiency rating label for the air conditioner is 2026, then the star rating schedule on the label is the new one.
2. Consumers are advised to pay attention to the information on the energy efficiency rating label, including energy consumption and the year displayed on the label.
3. Please scan the QR code on the label to obtain detailed information regarding the Energy Efficiency Certificate for that specific air conditioner.
For more information, you can visit the commission's website here.
