Let’s Be Real: How Energy Efficient Is Aircon?

One question our air con installers get asked a lot… ‘How energy efficient is aircon?’.

The simple answer is… pretty energy efficient. But in this article, we will explain a bit more.

According to the Department of Energy, energy efficiency is “the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result”. So, a more energy-efficient building will use less energy to heat, cool and run appliances.

Improving the energy efficiency of your property is one of the most cost-effective ways to combat climate change. And, it will help you reduce your bills too.

Air con is probably more energy efficient than you might think. Here’s the maths…

Energy Efficiency: Real Comparisons

The energy efficiency of appliances is usually measured in percentages.

Of all the appliances, electric heaters are generally considered to be 100% efficient. This means, for every 1kW of electricity they use, they emit 1kW as heat.

Now we’ll look at air con units.

The energy efficiency of air con units is measured as a COP (standing for Coefficient of Performance). A rating of COP 1 would mean with 1kW of electricity you would get 1Kw of heat, like the electric heaters, this would mean it is 100% energy efficient. If the air con unit had a rating of COP 2, for every 1kW of electricity you would get 2kW of heat.

Some modern air con units now have a rating of 5.74 COP. So, for every 1kW of electricity, you get 5.74 kW of heat… much more efficient than your trust electric heater.

Once you see these figures, it’s easier to understand that air con is more energy efficient than you think. When comparing an electric heater to an air con unit with a rating of 5.74 COP, you’ll see that the air con unit is 5.74x more efficient than the heater.

Sold On Air Con?

Some people think air con units are energy suckers that are expensive to run. But, the reality is the exact opposite. Air con units are much more efficient than other forms of heating. Plus, there’s the added benefit that they can run on renewable energy, unlike conventional gas boiler systems.

If you are looking for an energy-efficient way to heat your home, that will reduce your bills, air con installation could be the key. To speak to our team of air con installers, just get in touch, and we’ll be more than happy to tell you more or work up a quote.