Efficient air-conditioners (AC) may well be a misnomer, a recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment shows. According to the study an AC with energy ratings of 5-stars performs like one with 2-stars when the temperatures soar to 40 degree C.

The performance further dips to a 1-star-level by the time the mercury touches 45 degree C, CSE’s lab results show.

“In peak summers, when temperatures are in the 40-50 degree C range, a 5-star room AC can start consuming 10-28 per cent more power than its declared capacity, thus adding to the peak load demand on the electricity grid,” the study, which tested ACs under normal as well as extremely high temperatures, noted.

It is estimated that ACs account for as much as 28 per cent of the total monthly electricity consumption in Delhi.

“On an average, there is a 2.5 per cent dip (in efficiency) for every degree rise in external ambient temperature above 35 degree C. This means a 5-star rated room AC performs worse than a 1-star rated RAC when the external temperature reaches 45 degree C. At an extreme 50 degree C, the average energy efficiency ratio was at a level which has been outlawed by the BEE way back in 2010,” the study says.

Naturally, the study also finds a significant resultant increase in power consumption at an average rate of 1.9 per cent for every degree rise in external ambient temperature above 35 degree C.

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