The Energy Labelling system for gas appliances was developed by AGA in the early 1980’s, and AGA made it mandatory to use the label for water heaters, ducted heaters and space heaters in 1995.
The purpose of its development was to enable consumers to differentiate between the efficiency of gas products, to encourage innovation by manufacturers and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
AGA included the energy efficiency methods of testing as well as the design of the labels in the relevant gas appliance AG Codes, in addition to the safety related requirements. They were subsequently carried over to the relevant Australian Standards when AGA transferred the gas appliance and component AG Codes to Standards Australia in 2003. The methods of testing for most appliances and gas components have not changed and still remain in the current Australian Standards as originally developed by AGA.
The star rating and red band shading to be marked on the energy label (an example for ducted heaters shown below), is calculated by formulas developed in the 1980’s and 1990’s. These formulas take into consideration the measured heat delivered by the appliance and the total energy over a set period depending on the specific appliance type. There are also other inputs the formulas include such as “system factors” for ducted heaters and “start-up heat capacities” for instantaneous water heaters.
Given our extensive experience in this field we will be able to assist you with meeting your performance testing needs in the biggest performance testing laboratory for gas appliances in the southern hemisphere.