Viewpoint


Tackling Temperatures


Graham Wright, Legislation Specialist at Daikin UK, discusses the introduction of new European energy efficiency legislation for light commercial air conditioning systems.


this may be seen by many as more red tape, the good news is that more efficient air conditioning reduces energy consumption and helps cut running costs, without affecting comfort levels. At the heart of the new legislation are


The Energy Related Products Directive (ErP), which lays down minimum energy efficiency requirements as part of Europe’s drive to meet targets under the Kyoto Protocol, is coming into force for light commercial air conditioning systems on 1st January 2013. From January onwards, air conditioning systems with 12kW capacities or lower will have to meet new energy efficiency standards. This will affect systems typically installed in high street retail units. While


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changes in how energy efficiency is measured. The nominal ratings, Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for cooling and Coefficient Of Performance (COP) for heating, have been replaced with two new measures: the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the Seasonal Coefficient Of Performance (SCOP). These changes are reflected in new energy labels, which show seasonal efficiencies and energy consumption. Designed to reflect real operating conditions and true energy consumption, the seasonal ratings consider a number of factors including energy performance in different climates, energy consumption in auxiliary modes and seasonal load requirements. Because air conditioning systems have


been designed typically to reflect the best performance at nominal temperatures, they are most efficient when operating at full load. The changes mean some products have had to be redesigned to achieve optimum seasonal performance. Energy consumption in auxiliary modes such as standby or off, or when the thermostat is


off are also considered, giving a more accurate reflection of real­life performance than the previous nominal measures. Some manufacturers have decided to


plan in advance, and have redesigned products ahead of the new legislation to make sure they are as efficient as possible. Acceptable energy efficiency thresholds will tighten further in 2014 and consultation on minimum energy efficiency requirements for larger systems is underway. It is important that retailers both large


and small are aware of the legislative changes, the new labelling and how specifying the most energy efficient air conditioning can help them save energy and money in the future.


Contact:


Daikin UK T: +44 (0) 845 641 9000 www.daikin.co.uk


www.a1retailmagazine.com


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