Whether you are in a home, office, or commercial building, air conditioning can be a vital component of your daily life. A good quality air conditioning unit can reduce the risk of fire, save you money on electricity bills, and make your building more energy efficient.
Energy-efficiency standards
During the past twenty five years, there has been little change to the Energy-efficiency standards for air conditioning NZ. In fact, the minimum standards have only changed in regard to residential air conditioners.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) publishes data on energy use in various sectors, but there is little evidence to assist in determining a cooling policy for commercial buildings. It is possible that a larger evidence base would be required to determine the actual performance of commercial buildings.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) new rating system for air conditioning in New Zealand was introduced in 2021. It enables buildings to achieve a Green Star rating, but does not require buildings to monitor performance.
In addition, the NZGBC administers a voluntary rating tool for buildings. The current voluntary system does not require buildings to monitor performance, but does require buildings to meet minimum standards. However, there are no incentives for commercial buildings to become certified.
Commercial buildings
Developing a policy for air conditioning in commercial buildings can help reduce demand, improve energy security and reduce emissions. Policies can target energy efficiency, including solar gain reduction, and reduce cooling demand.
Historically, the cost of electricity for air conditioning in commercial buildings has decreased. This has contributed to increased reliance on air conditioning in New Zealand’s commercial buildings.
This has reduced the cost of energy to commercial users, including householders. However, as more and more buildings are built, there is an increasing need for air conditioning equipment. This is also resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, there are no incentives for developers to invest in more energy-efficient commercial buildings. The legislative framework for improving energy efficiency in New Zealand’s building stock has not changed in over twenty-five years.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) publishes data on energy use in various sectors, including commercial buildings. However, this data is limited and it does not provide insight into how to establish a policy for air conditioning in commercial buildings.
Saving money on bills
Keeping cool in the scorching heat of summer is no small feat. The average American household will spend roughly $454 in the sweltering months of June and July. Fortunately, there are several options for saving money on air conditioning. One of the more popular methods is to sign up for a discounted energy plan. Another option is to replace your old unit with a more energy efficient model. Regardless of your favored method, it’s never too late to find out what’s available to you. It’s worth checking your utility company’s website or calling their customer service department for more information.
Not all utility companies are created equal. Some offer discounts and other incentives. If you’re looking for a reputable company, make sure you take a moment to read up on their customer service and rebate policies. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, be sure to look for a high efficiency unit. The best time to contact a salesperson is during business hours, and their phone numbers can be found at the bottom of the page.
Lowering the risk of a fire
Keeping your home safe from fire requires careful preparation. Whether you are installing an air conditioning system or repairing one, there are certain steps you can take to lower the risk of a fire. Keeping your home free of clutter around your unit is one of the best ways to do this.
If you are installing a window air conditioning unit, make sure to use the right cord and avoid putting debris on the wire. Also, keep the unit at least three meters away from flammable materials.
A good thermostat battery and clean filters can help keep your home safe. Also, make sure the unit has been recently serviced. You can check with your local fire department or check the EPA AirNow website for up-to-date information. If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from smoke. If your symptoms worsen, you may need to evacuate.
If you live in a fire-prone area, make sure you know what to do in case of a fire. Follow the local news and EPA AirNow website for up-to-date fire information. Also, keep an eye out for emergency alerts and follow your local emergency plans.