See what needs to be done to reduce the impact of air conditioning on the bill

In Rio, the first month of the year broke all records in terms of heating. The average maximum temperature was the highest in history, 37.4 ° C, according to Climatempo. The thermal sensation reached 50 °. The result of intensive use of air conditioning begins to appear on the beads. Advertiser Gabriel Franco, for example, expects a 50% increase in the value of the bill. A study from the Brazilian Institute of Consumer Protection (Idec) shows that it is possible to reduce the impact on the account with the right choice of the device.

In the evaluation of six 9,000 BTU equipment, all clbadified as A, the maximum score of the Brazilian labeling program (PBE), the difference in consumption between plus and minus efficiencies may exceed $ 1,600 in five years if we consider the use of eight hours a day.

– The review of the clbadification of the label is not enough to make a good choice. Today, about 80% are clbadified in Category A, but there is a significant difference in consumption between them – Clauber Leite, energy researcher at Idec.

Milk however insists that it is not always easy to know who the device is. In addition, the researcher criticizes the fact that the Brazilian parameter for measuring the total cooling capacity of an appliance and the energy it consumes (the energy efficiency coefficient) is lower than that used in other appliances. countries, such as Japan, where it is 6.5%. W / W, China, 6 W / W and USA, 4.6 W / W. According to Idec

Marcos Borges, coordinator of Inmetro's PBE, estimates that the coefficient of the best device is 4.74 W / W, according to which a study is underway to help modify the consumption profile of pneumatic devices. -conditioné. The Kigali project, the result of an international agreement, brings together manufacturers, public authorities, universities and NGOs in Brazil.

– This project must change the test method of the devices, which will allow an optimal comparison with those of other countries. The study will also serve as a basis for the new clbadification. The idea is to make a leap in efficiency.

Camila Borges, of the Climate and Society Institute, who coordinates the project in the country, explains that increasing the efficiency of the devices will reduce the impact on the accounts as well as on the energy matrix: [19659003] – We badyze the impact on the manufacturer, the price charged to the consumer and its impact on the national electricity system.

Good Use Makes a Difference

Toshio Murakami, National Air Conditioning Residential of Abrava (Association of Brazilian Manufacturers) says the industry is striving to improve its efficiency. Be aware, however, that the correct use of the device mitigates its effects:

– The use of the device without cleaning the filter increases the consumption by 30%. Keeping the equipment at 17 ° also consumes more.

At home, journalist Gabriel Franco has adopted measures to reduce the impact of air on the domestic budget.

– We tried to compensate for the use of air with a cold bath to reduce gas consumption and avoid leaving the light on. But at bedtime, two phones are connected all night – Franco declares that he shares the apartment with a friend.

Consulted Philco, LG and Electrolux did not respond to the result of the investigation. Pioneer do Brasil said that it only dealt with automotive equipment, air conditioners are imported. Gree is satisfied with the result of the economy.