Georgetown: Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr. Mahender Sharma, is urging all Ministries, Government Agencies, Semi-Autonomous Organizations, private sector entities and residents to procure only energy efficient/energy star certified air conditioning units.
Dr. Sharma is cautioning entities procuring air-conditioners to not only look at the initial capital cost of the ACs when determining a supplier, but to also look at the annual energy costs for operating the units.
“If analysed over a 2 to 3 year period, the payback for investments in energy efficient air-conditioners is easily understood and the higher costs are justified from the payback analysis. GEA stands ready to provide technical advice on this and other energy-related matters,” he noted.
He explained that air conditioners, popularly known as AC units, are a costly investment and incur significant energy costs over their lifetime.
Adding that the GEA has observed, through over 100 energy assessments at Public Institutions, that inefficient AC units are responsible for a significant portion of energy cost, Sharma explained that energy star certified air conditioners have a higher energy efficiency ratio (EER) than standard models – which makes them about 14% more efficient.
“Invest in air conditioner units that have higher SEER/EER ratings from trusted manufacturers…Energy star certified air conditioners have a higher energy efficiency ratio (EER) and seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) than standard models. This makes them about 14% more efficient,” he said.
He explained that choosing the right size of unit is important as an oversized AC for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit.
He said the AC unit can work correctly when its in an area near the center of the room and on the shadiest side of the building. Consumers, he said should minimize air leakage by fitting the room air conditioner snugly into its opening and sealing gaps with a foam weather stripping material.
He explained that the upfront costs for new energy efficient air conditioner are offset over time from the energy savings gained, through lower energy bills, by choosing a high SEER/EER unit. “By making wise use of AC Units energy consumption can be reduced which in turn would reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes positively to the environment.”
In further listing some of the benefits Sharma stated: Consumers should keep out direct sunlight and close curtains or blinds during the day to reduce the amount of effort your air conditioner expends to keep your home/office cool; (2) Computers and other office equipment also generate heat. Turn them off when they are not in use. This will reduce the heat load on the system and prevent the AC unit from using more energy for cooling; Make sure all doors and windows are sealed properly to keep your energy consumption low. If the cool air your air conditioner is circulating into your home/office is escaping, your system will have to work harder and longer to keep you cool; (4) Setting your thermostat at a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner will not cool your office/home any faster. This could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense; (5) Replace or clean your window or central air conditioning filters at least once a month or as directed by the manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict air flow and make air conditioners work harder to keep you cool.
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