Air Conditioning

The use of air-conditioners is still not widespread in Europe, but the electricity consumption of domestic air-conditioning is expected to more than double by 2020 and reach 140 TWh per year (equivalent to the residential electricity consumption of Germany). Unlike the US, Japan or Australia, the European Union does not currently have a minimum energy performance standard for air conditioning products sold to its consumers, so EU shops sell many products that are cheap to buy but which are very energy inefficient.
Fortunately, sales of class A-rated products have grown from 17% in 2005 to 61% in 2008, but the class A level is still very far from being as efficient as the best products available elsewhere (such as Japan).

What does the Coolproducts campaign want?
•    A bold limitation of the consumption of both residential and office air-conditioners, so that Europe catches up with other regions in the world.
•    A mandatory 0 Watt mode avoiding electricity waste during no-use seasons.
•    A ban of climate damaging refrigerant fluids used in air-conditioners.
•    A more ambitious energy labelling genuinely promoting the most efficient products.

What’s the European Union doing and what’s our position?
A regulation for domestic air-conditioners has been discussed in 2009 but has yet to be voted on. The preparatory study did not suggest ambitious enough measures. A preparatory study on office air conditioners may be launched in 2010, which means political discussions on where to set minimum performance standards would not start for another year. We believe these delays are regrettable.

Read more about this issue:
-Research carried out by BUND in Germany shows consumers are left in the dark about portable air conditioners.
-Find out more about the EU process on our expert pages.