20% of air-cons, 9% of fridges don’t meet energy standards: NEA [News]

By Ng Lian Cheong / Alvina Soh, Channel NewsAsia, 31 Aug 2011.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has found that about one-fifth of air-conditioner models in Singapore do not meet the minimum energy efficiency standards, as of late August 2011.

It added that nine per cent of refrigerator models are not up to the mark as well.

NEA said there are about 60 registered suppliers in the market for these appliances.

Under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), registrable goods in Singapore must be registered with NEA, affixed with Energy Labels and meet the prescribed minimum energy efficiency standards before they can be supplied in Singapore. Read more

Energy Challenge Fair 2009

The Energy Challenge Fair 2009 organised by NEA, took place over the weekend at the Marina Square Central Atrium, which showcase the latest energy efficient appliances and technology, tips on saving energy, and the various government initiatives on energy efficiency.

Here’s some photos taken at the fair (more photos at our Facebook page):

Exhibits and companies at the fair

Energy SAVE programme by HDB

Smart meters under the Electricity Vending System by EMA

Energy efficient household appliances

Energy meters by Efergy

Eneloop solar light by Sanyo

Energy efficient bamboo ceiling fan by Haiku

Use Your Air-Conditioner and Refrigerator Wisely

A typical Singapore household spends about 50% of its electricity bills on the air-conditioner and refrigerator. If you want to reduce energy at home and save money, the best way is to use your air-conditioner and refrigerator wisely. You can choose to do one or more of the following:

Air-Conditioner

• If you need to buy an air-conditioner, choose one that is energy-efficient and suitably sized for your home. Check out the models with the Energy Label from this NEA database.
• Set your air-conditioner’s thermostat to a higher comfortable temperature (about 25 degree Celsius).
• Clean the air filters regularly and service your air-conditioners annually. For general servicing, approach Coolserve or other contractors.
• Set the timer to switch off your air-conditioner before dawn or after some hours of usage.
• Stop using your air-conditioner and switch to a fan (standing, box or ceiling type) that can keep you comfortable while using much less energy than your air-conditioner.
• Use your air-conditioner and fan on alternate days. For example, use the air-conditioner on even days and the fan on odd days.
• Switch on your air-conditioner one hour before going to bed. When it’s time to sleep, switch off the air-conditioner and use the fan instead. The fan is able to circulate the cool air and keep you comfortable.

Refrigerator

• Adjust the thermostat in the refrigerator to a higher temperature or setting.
• Close the refrigerator door immediately after taking out the food.
• Ensure that the refrigerator is not placed near heat sources (eg. heating appliances or sunlight).
• Ensure that there is space for airflow near the compressor and condenser coils.
• Check that the door is air tight by closing the door on a piece of paper, which should stay in place.
• Allow hot food to cool before placing the food in the refrigerator.
• Allow sufficient space in the refrigerator for air circulation and do not stuff too much food inside.
• Buy a refrigerator with the smallest model to suit your needs and choose one with the energy efficient Energy Label.

Image credit: Muzzling; dean.

Choose Energy Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Energy efficient appliances and lighting can help you to save energy and money. One household study by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) shows 35% monthly energy savings when energy efficient air-conditioner, refrigerator and lighting was used.

Energy Label

If you’re planning to buy a new air-conditioner, refrigerator or clothes dryer, remember to choose an energy efficient appliance with the Energy Label. The Energy Label is issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and it is mandatory for registered suppliers of air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers to affix the Energy Label on the units that they supply in Singapore.

The Energy Label shows the energy efficiency rating and the energy consumption of the appliance. The energy efficiency rating is expressed in green ticks:

• 1 tick – Fair
• 2 ticks – Good
• 3 ticks – Very Good
• 4 ticks – Excellent

The appliance with more ticks is more energy efficient. You can compare the green ticks for different brands and types of appliances from this database of registered goods. Remember to look out for the Energy Label when you’re buying a new appliance at the retail store.

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Lighting

If you’re buying lightbulbs, choose energy efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). CFLs last up to 10 times longer and use up to 80% less energy than incandescent lightbulbs. You should also choose the lowest wattage lightbulb needed for your specific lighting purpose.

Besides CFLs, you can choose LED lighting that are more efficient and last longer than CFLs.

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ENERGY STAR

For other appliances that are not under the Energy Label scheme (such as computers, dishwashers, ceiling fans, televisions and lighting), you can check whether they are ENERGY STAR qualified. The ENERGY STAR is a US labeling program to identify and promote energy efficient products. Find a suitable model from this wide range of ENERGY STAR appliances.

Image credit: Energy Label via E2 Singapore