Cosa significa la classe energetica A in un condizionatore?

Con il sistema in vigore per i condizionatori dal settembre 2023, la classe A rappresenta il livello di efficienza più elevato della scala A–G. I modelli che in precedenza erano classificati A+++ ricadono oggi nelle classi B o C della nuova scala, rendendo la classe A un traguardo riservato ai prodotti di nuova generazione.

Le classi energetiche aggiornate per i condizionatori sono diverse da quelle precedenti?

Sì. Il vecchio sistema includeva classi fino ad A+++. Con la riscalatura entrata in vigore nel settembre 2023 tramite il Regolamento delegato UE 2023/2048, si è tornati alla scala semplificata A–G, applicata ad altri elettrodomestici già dal marzo 2021. I modelli prima classificati come A+++ ricadono oggi nelle classi B o C.

Un condizionatore di classe A consuma davvero meno?

Sì, a parità di potenza e ore di utilizzo. La differenza rispetto a modelli di classe inferiore può essere rilevante, soprattutto in caso di utilizzo prolungato. Una stima precisa dipende dal modello specifico e dalle condizioni d'uso.

Esistono incentivi per l'acquisto di condizionatori ad alta classe energetica?

Sì. Il Conto Termico prevede incentivi per l'installazione di climatizzatori efficienti con pompa di calore. È consigliabile verificare le condizioni aggiornate sul sito del GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici).

Come scelgo la potenza giusta in base alla superficie?

In linea generale, si stima circa 100 W di potenza per metro quadro in ambienti standard. Per ambienti con esposizione solare elevata o scarsamente isolati, è opportuno sovradimensionare leggermente l'impianto. Una valutazione tecnica preventiva garantisce la scelta ottimale.

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Air conditioner Energy class: how to choose the most efficient one

Guide to the EU Energy label to choose the ideal air conditioner and reduce consumption on your bill.

Choosing an air conditioner does not only mean assessing power or design: the Energy class is one of the most important indicators for understanding how much it will consume over time and how much it will affect your bill.

With the EU labelling system for air conditioners, the classes have been redesigned to better reflect actual performance. Knowing this scale is the starting point for an informed purchase.

How does the new EU labelling system work?

The European Union began rescaling Energy labels in March 2021 for some categories of household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and displays. For air conditioners, the transition to the new system took place with EU Delegated Regulation 2023/2048. The old system, which went up to class A+++, has been replaced by the simplified A–G scale, with more selective criteria that make class A a truly more ambitious target.

The EU label shows two fundamental indices:

SEER, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio: measures efficiency in cooling mode during the summer season;
SCOP, Seasonal Coefficient of Performance: measures efficiency in heating mode during the winter season, calculated for the three main European climate zones, “average”, “warmer” and “colder”.

Higher SEER and SCOP values indicate a more efficient air conditioner, respectively in cooling and heating. Both indices measure seasonal performance, offering a more realistic assessment than the fixed-condition tests used in the past. Italy, recognizable on the stylized map on the label, includes all three European climate zones.

Reference sources: EU Regulation 2016/2281 and EU legislation on Energy labelling, Regulation 2017/1369.

Air conditioner Energy classes: the current scale

Class	Efficiency
A	Maximum
B	Very high
C	High
D	Medium
E	Low
F	Very low
G	Minimum

Energy class and actual consumption: what changes on your bill

The Energy class translates directly into savings, or waste, on your bill. With the same power and hours of use, higher-class models consume significantly less than lower-class models: the difference can be substantial in the summer months, when the air conditioner works several hours a day.

To get a complete picture of how much an air conditioner consumes, it is useful to consider not only the Energy class, but also the power, kW, the hours of use and the type of system. A model with inverter technology, for example, continuously regulates power, reducing absorption peaks.

The main factors that influence actual consumption are:

An undersized unit is forced to work constantly at maximum power, increasing consumption and cancelling out the advantages of the Energy class.

If there are significant structural heat losses, even a class A air conditioner will struggle to maintain the temperature, consuming more than expected.

Actual savings depend on the degrees required: the smaller the gap with the outdoor temperature, the less Energy the air conditioner needs to work.

Does the air conditioner stay on for many hours a day? In this case, choosing a high Energy class makes a huge difference on your bill.

The choice between a monosplit, a multisplit or a ducted system affects overall performance: the different types of air conditioners have specific efficiency characteristics based on the environment and the intended use.

How to choose the Energy class best suited to your needs?

In general, focusing on classes A, B or C guarantees high efficiency and a return on investment in the medium term thanks to lower operating costs. The main criteria to assess before purchasing are:

initial budget and savings over time: class A models have a higher purchase cost, but pay for themselves over time thanks to lower bills;

seasonal or year-round use: those who also use the air conditioner in winter for heating benefit more from a high SCOP;

climate zone: in areas with longer and hotter summers, a high SEER is a priority; in areas with harsh winters, the SCOP in the reference climate zone should be carefully assessed;

available incentives: Conto Termico and other tax relief can significantly reduce the installation cost of high-efficiency models.

Before proceeding, checking the structural conditions of the home is essential: an efficient system performs at its best only in a well-insulated environment.

Choosing with awareness: Enel’s offer

The Energy class is a key parameter for assessing an air conditioner comprehensively: it affects consumption, the bill and long-term environmental impact. Enel offers a selection of low-consumption air conditioners, with high-efficiency models suitable for every type of home. Thanks to the range of air conditioners available, you can choose the solution best suited to your consumption, with the support of professionals and the possibility of accessing current tax incentives.

Save up to 40% on your bill with an efficient air conditioner.

Buy a high-efficiency air conditioner with heating/cooling function and installation included, and if you are already our customer or become one:

financing (fixed TAN 0% - TAEG 0%) up to 12 months;
€180 bonus on your power bill.

Discover more Call now

Frequently asked questions

With the system in force for air conditioners since September 2023, class A represents the highest efficiency level on the A–G scale. Models that were previously classified as A+++ now fall into classes B or C of the new scale, making class A a target reserved for new-generation products.

Yes. The old system included classes up to A+++. With the rescaling that entered into force in September 2023 through EU Delegated Regulation 2023/2048, the simplified A–G scale was reintroduced, already applied to other household appliances since March 2021. Models previously classified as A+++ now fall into classes B or C.

Yes, with the same power and hours of use. The difference compared to lower-class models can be significant, especially in the case of prolonged use. An accurate estimate depends on the specific model and conditions of use.

Yes. Conto Termico provides incentives for the installation of efficient air conditioners with heat pump. It is advisable to check the updated conditions on the GSE, Energy Services Operator, website.

In general, around 100 W of power per square metre is estimated in standard rooms. For rooms with high solar exposure or poor insulation, it is advisable to slightly oversize the system. A preliminary technical assessment guarantees the optimal choice.