From that date, all new or replacement air-conditioners must have a minimum tested average energy efficiency ratio of 2.9 – or the equivalent to 4 stars on a current energy rating label – in order for it to be sold or installed in the state.

QLD Premier Anna Bligh said that the ban would result in significant savings to the state’s electricity network.

“This is not only about getting more and more Queensland households to get greener but it means a reduction on the costs inefficient air-conditioners pose to our electricity network,” Ms Bligh said.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, the number of Queensland households with air-conditioners has more than doubled - from around 32 per cent in 1994 to over 67 per cent of households in 2008.

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The Queensland Government estimates that the implementation of the new standards will save approximately 12,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and collectively save Queenslanders over $1.7 million on their annual electricity bills.

“These savings have been calculated based on an average 600 hours of use each year and the new electricity charges of 17.13c/kWh,” said the QLD Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe.