Optimize Energy Consumption of Air Conditioner
Air conditioner has become a common appliance for homes as well as offices as a means of comfort. But it can contribute to as high as 50% of your total Energy Consumption. If the Air Conditioner is old, inefficient or poorly maintained, it becomes an Energy Guzzler.
With summer round the corner, this volume of “Save Power” brings you the tips ranging from installation of the Air Conditioner to its proper operation and maintenance. It also gives you insight on how to choose an Air Conditioner while you are making a purchase.
Care to be taken during Air Conditioner Installation
• Allow adequate space for the installation, maintenance, and repairs of AC system.
• Place the condensing unit in a shady spot, which can reduce your air conditioning costs by 1% to 2%.
• Get the installation done by authorised professional personnel observing manufacturer’s instructions Right Sizing is the key As rule of thumb a room requires about 10,000 BTU/hour for every 500 sq. feet of floor space.
However, the requirement of air conditioning capacity varies as per:
• Size and orientation of the space.
• The shade on windows, walls, and roof i.e. the heating of the space.
• INsulation of the rooms.
• Number of occupants and appliances in the roomIt is very important to buy a right sized unit as.
• If the unit is oversized
o it costs more to buy a larger air conditione.
o the larger-than-necessary air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently, reducing its efficiency and life.
o a larger unit consumes more electricity.
• If the unit is undersized
o It may not cool to desired temperature on hotter days.
oThe unit will keep on running continuously to achieve the preset temperature,affecting it’s life .
Operating Tips
• Use fan in stead of Air Conditioners whenever possible. They use much less energy.
• Make use of fans to supplement Air Conditioning. It allows you to raise the thermostat temperature resulting in lower energy consumption.
• Do not set temperature setting too low. 24oC to 25oC is comfortable for human body.
• Lowering the temperature by every single degree costs you additional power. You can save 3% to 5% energy for each degree set above 22 oC.
• Keep the room doors, windows and vents tightly shut when Air Conditioner is running, to prevent leakage of cooled air.
• Check the Air Conditioner settings. Make sure the ‘fresh air’ vent is closed. So that the cooled air does not escape the room. Open this vent once everyday for fresh air intake.
• Draw the curtains and drapes of the room during summer months to prevent solar heat gain
Maintenance of Air Conditioner
• Clean the Air Conditioner Filter every month. Unclean, cloggy filters block the normal air flow resulting in lower efficiency.
• Air Conditioner Condenser should be cleaned periodically. Use of professional help through Annual Performance Contract can be effective.
• Recycle or recharge the air conditioner refrigerant every few years by seeking professional help. This increases the air conditioner performance.
• If your Air Conditioner is not giving desired output, consider replacing it with a new Energy Efficient Air Conditioner.
Intend to buy or replace your Air Conditioner?
• Choose the right size air conditioner as per your needs• Look for the energy efficient BEE Star Labeled Air conditioner. More the stars in Red, more the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and lesser the energy consumption.
• By paying a bit more initially you can enjoy lower operating costs. Ahigher star Air Conditioner will pay for itself in few years compared toa non-star Air Conditioner.
• To find more about Energy Efficient air conditioner fitting your requirements please visit the website of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) at http://www.bee-india.nic.in/
