Air conditioner energy class: what the letters mean

An air conditioner’s energy class is the letter (from A+++ to D) that the European label assigns based on the model’s seasonal efficiency, designed for a quick comparison between products without having to read every single technical figure.

Two classes, not one

Unlike an appliance such as a refrigerator, an air conditioner’s label shows two separate classes: one for cooling, calculated from the SEER value, and one for heating (if the model has a heat pump), calculated from SCOP. The two classes can match, but they often differ quite noticeably on the same unit, because a compressor can be optimized differently for the two operating modes.

How to read the scale

The current scale runs from A+++ (maximum efficiency) to D (minimum), passing through A++, A+, A, B, and C. Mid-to-high-end Inverter air conditioners typically sit between A+++ and A++ in cooling, while cheaper or non-Inverter models more often stop at A or A+. Class D, at the opposite extreme, is now rare on new models due to increasingly strict European regulations.

What to look at depending on use

Anyone using the air conditioner only in summer should prioritize the cooling class, ignoring the heating one if they don’t plan to use the heat pump. Anyone planning to heat the home during mid-seasons too should weigh both classes equally, because a low SCOP translates into higher bills precisely during the months when the air conditioner replaces (or supplements) traditional heating.

The other figures on the label

Besides the letter, the EU energy label also shows estimated annual consumption in kWh, nominal power in kW, and noise in dB for the indoor and outdoor units — figures that allow a direct comparison even between models in the same class, since two A+++ units aren’t necessarily identical in absolute consumption if they have different power ratings. We also cover this in our complete guide on how to choose an air conditioner.

Frequently asked questions

Why does an air conditioner have two different energy classes?

Because cooling and heating are two technically distinct functions, each with its own seasonal efficiency index (SEER for cooling, SCOP for heating) and therefore its own class. A model can be A+++ in cooling and A+ in heating, or vice versa: it's worth checking the one matching how you'll actually use it.

Is it worth paying more for A+++ class?

It depends on the expected hours of use: for intensive use across multiple seasons, the higher upfront cost generally pays for itself through lower bills within a few years. For occasional or limited seasonal use, the class difference matters less to overall savings.

Does the energy label show other useful figures?

Yes: besides the class, the EU label shows estimated annual consumption in kWh, nominal power in kW, indoor and outdoor unit noise in dB, and for some models the refrigerant gas type too. These are all useful figures for a direct comparison between models in the same price range.