U-3ARC President raises concern about inefficient AC systems

The importance of energy efficiency in tackling world issues such as climate change and energy deficit in developing countries is necessary.  Reporting on concerns around inefficient air conditioning exports onto the African continent, he focuses in on calls for an end to imports of on/off, non-inverter, split air conditioning systems. 

The U-3ARC is a body which represents the ACR industry in all 54 African countries. It President Madi Sakandé, raised concerns about incorrect product information, claiming that, “Unfortunately, some famous brands are writing “Inverter” on the cover of the internal and external units, even if these ACs are not inverter technology but on/off.”

Branding the import of non-inverter air conditioners as unacceptable, Mr Sakandé has denounced the practice as an act designed to keep Africa in poverty, explaining that inefficient air conditioners accentuate the energy deficit, compromise economies and harm the environment. The article highlighted how “More than 90 percent of air conditioners coming into Africa are on/off units.” Sakandé has concerns that they are lower technical specification models, produced specifically for the African market and other developing countries. 

Energy performance

The situation is a stark reminder of the importance of energy efficiency and correct product information. In 2020 the typical SEER of room air conditioners was 3 to 4 W/W. The “Future of Cooling” report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that to accommodate the expected rise in cooling demand and stay on track of climate goals, global average efficiency of air conditioners will have to reach over 8 W/W SEER by 2050. Installing energy efficient products with accurate product data will be vital in decarbonising and curbing the effects global warming.

While energy efficiency sits at the core of efforts to decarbonise in developed nations, for developing countries, a lack of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) makes it easy for inefficient air conditioning models to enter the market. The irony is that units exported to the African continent and developing countries are often banned in the nations that produce them. 

As the “Future of Cooling” report shows, it is essential that markets are levelled up worldwide, and that HVAC professionals can access and identify energy efficient products. It is also vital that professionals explain the ongoing benefits of choosing more sustainable products to their clients. Meanwhile, the continent faces a battle between those who choose cheap, inefficient products, and those who look long-term and put energy efficiency and sustainability above purchase price.

Accessing performance data

The good news is that decision makers can use tools such as product certification to access accurate performance data. Our database of Eurovent certified air conditioners includes more than 4000 references of air-to-air reversible units allows anybody to select the references according to the SEER value. Today Eurovent certifies SEER ranges from 4.6 up to 11.2. The large majority of Eurovent certified split reversible air conditioning units have a SEER higher than 6.

Certification reduces the risk of choosing inefficient products by offering a guarantee of performance, as manufacture claims have been independently and impartially verified, via a stringent certification process. The Eurovent Certified Performance programme for Air Conditioners, is just one of 44 programmes, helping industry professionals compare and choose energy efficient products.