Excerpt form Straits Times, 22/10/2015

“ In a bid to cut Singapore’s energy consumption, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will phase out less energy-efficient air conditioners by September next year.

Currently, air conditioning models sold here must have at least one tick on the energy label, which is used to help consumers gauge how energy-efficient a particular electrical appliance is.

From September next year, however, the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) will be raised and all models here will be required to have at least two ticks.

The electrical appliance will be the first to have the minimum requirement of two ticks, meaning it uses less energy.

The switch will help a household save $100 annually in energy costs, the agency said, adding that it is giving importers, manufacturers and retailers enough time to clear their existing stocks.”

If you are having an older model of air conditioner which is not the energy-efficient type and are worry that you are paying more than necessary on your energy bill, fret not. I will recommend some ways that can make your air conditioner consume less energy than required and possibly cools better.

1. DIY aircon servicing
Wash the filter fortnightly or monthly. This will improve airflow and normalise the refrigerant flow.

2. Professional aircon servicing
Have your aircon service by a qualified technician every 4-6 months. The service frequency shall correspond to the usage. Heavy usage of aircon should service at a shorter interval. Correct maintenance will help the compressor and fan motors of the air conditioner to perform at their optimum. Compressor consume the most energy in an air conditioning system and without proper maintenance, compressor will consume more energy than required.

3. Protect your outdoor condenser from direct sunlight
If condition allow, create a shelter for the condenser machine so it is shaded from direct sunlight. Bringing down the temperature will improve heat exchange at the condenser thus bringing down electrical consumption.

4. Clear any debris on your outdoor condenser
Leaves, tissue and other object may be stuck to your condenser coil because of the suction pressure of the fan operation. These debris will obstruct proper heat exchange that is necessary optimum operation and energy consumption.