New standard for energy-efficient air conditioning
Standards Australia has published a new standard that sets out specific requirements for the design, selection, installation, commissioning and maintenance of energy-efficient residential air conditioning.
“There are countless schemes in place to guide energy-efficient products in our homes, but none look at the installation and design of air conditioning and its impact on overall energy efficiency,” said Standards Australia CEO Bronwyn Evans.
AS/NZS 5141:2018, Residential heating and cooling systems – Minimum applications and requirements for energy efficiency, performance and comfort criteria was published following the work of industry representatives, consumer advocates, regulators and technical experts. It applies to all new installations, replacement installations and additions in residential buildings, including ducted and non-ducted air conditioners and gas-ducted air heaters.
Phil Wilkinson, Executive Manager – Government Relations and Technical Services at the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), added, “This is a vital piece of the puzzle to reduce the impact our industry has on global warming. We now have a standard for consumers to rely on for a comfortable, cost effective and safe outcome.”
“Over the last two decades, equipment energy efficiency programs such as Energy Labelling and MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) have driven air-conditioning equipment manufacturers to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of their products,” said Robert Beggs, Chair of the Standards Australia Technical Committee responsible for the standard. “However, these efficiency gains (which have come at a cost to the manufacturer and ultimately the consumer) can be blown away with poor application or installation.
“This standard now introduces minimum requirements for the selection and installation of the equipment and system components to ensure that the installed system can operate at optimum efficiency. Other important consumer requirements such as noise levels, system reliability, serviceability and workmanship are also addressed by this standard.”
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