Air conditioning energy use


delta T Services is committed to reducing the environmental impact of air conditioning, to that end we have made this short guide to assist you in saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint.

All new electrical appliances are rated according to how much energy they use. The scale runs from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient) - you can compare the efficiency of different appliances by looking at the ratings label they carry, in addition to looking for an Energy Saving Recommended logo. You'll also find A++ and A+ ratings on some air conditioning systems.
Although the technology in cooperated into the A rated systems is slightly more expensive on the initial purchase cost, they very quickly re-coupe this investment by the reduction in electrical usage and thus lower electrical bills.

This is even more apparent when replacing old R22 non - inverter air conditioning systems, with new "A" rated inverter driven models which can give in excess of a 30% saving in energy consumption.

Example of savings

A non-inverter air conditioning system using 1 Kw per hour of energy at say 15 pence per Kilowatt hour, operating for 8 hours a day 365 days per year would use 2920 KWH of electricity at 15p / Hour this would give an operating cost of £438.00 per annum.
The same size system with inverter driven technology would use 700 watts per hour 8 hours a day for 365 days would use 2044 KWH of electricity at 15p / Hour this would give an operating cost of £306.60 per annum.
This represents a saving per annum of £131.40 for the life of the equipment!
Well worth the extra investment which would pay for itself very quickly.

Energy saving measures

Keep in mind that an energy efficient air conditioner alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using an approach that involves your entire house. If you combine proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, lowering thermostat settings and draught proofing you can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%.

General Tips

  • When temperatures are not overly hot but you are running your air conditioning system select fan only, for increased comfort whilst still benefitting from air circulation, whilst not running the compressor.
  • Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. By maintaining a minimum difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, you'll lower your overall cooling bill as your system will run less.
  • Don't reduce your thermostat setting to a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary energy usage.
  • Ensure you shut all windows and doors whilst operating your air conditioner especially if you only have one room or area conditioned.
  • Set the fan speed on high, except in humid weather. When it's humid, set the fan speed on low.
  • Keep lamps and TV sets away from your air conditioning thermostat they may influence your system to run for longer periods than actually necessary.
  • Turn off appliances and lights when they are not being used. Replace incandescent light bulbs with low energy types. Incandescent lamps convert 85 to 90% of their energy to heat and only 10 to 15% to light.
  • Shade air-conditioning units by planting trees or shrubs, but make sure you do not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than one operating in direct sunlight.
  • Close shades or curtains on east, south, and west-facing windows during the hours when the sun's intensity is at its peak. Open curtains and windows during early morning and overnight hours when the air outside the home is cooler.
  • Turn off the air conditioner if the house or air-conditioned rooms will be unoccupied for an extended period. Use a programmable thermostat to turn Air off and on automatically when you know the house will be unoccupied.
  • Your system will benefit from regular maintenance to keep it operating at maximum efficiencies. Ensure your AC is working efficiently, get it serviced. A 10% undercharge of Refrigerant can increase operating costs by almost 20%. A dirty evaporator, condenser or evaporator could increase air conditioning or heat pump electrical usage by 50%.

By following these simple tips you can decrease your energy usage considerably whilst still enjoying a comfortable conditioned environment.
delta T Services is here to assist you with all your maintenance and upgrades to your air conditioning systems.