Report On Air Conditioners 2 PDF

Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (WECAM)
WECAM RESEARCH DIVISION

(RESEARCH@WECAM)
CONSUMER REFERENCE FOR ENERGY
EFFICIENCY (1)
REPORT ON AIR CONDITIONERS PART 2
Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia

(WECAM)
No. 1D-1, Bangunan SKPPK, Jln SS9A/17, 47300
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: +603-7876 2009
Fax: +603-7873 5303
Emel: research@wecam.org.my
Disclaimer: This report is based on market survey and products available in the market. The results are
based on internally developed calculation methods that are widely used. All information presented is true at
the time of publication. To find out more on the methods, please contact WECAM.
Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 1

1.0 Introduction
Air Conditioners are becoming important equipment at homes today. With

increasing demand it has mooted variety of brands and products availability in
the market. Some of the brands that can be found in the market are LG, Sharp,
Panasonic, Hitachi, Samsung, Elba, Haier, York and Daikin. Every brand offers
variety of functions such as antibacterial, energy efficiency, antiodour, and many
more. So, as a consumer, how do you determine which air conditioner you buy
gives value to money and be energy efficient?
In order to assist consumers, WECAM have conducted a survey on variety of air

conditioners in Malaysian market to determine the cost effectiveness and the
energy efficiency.
2.0 Method of Study
2.1 Introduction
The study focuses on air conditioner from different brands to look at two major
parameters:
1. Energy Efficiency Ratio-EER

2. Cost Versus Efficiency
Every air conditioner is given marks based on both the parameters. The air
conditioner that has lowest average mark will be the most energy efficient and
cost efficient.
However, the limitations to the study are:

Air conditioner brands that studied is as follows; LG, Hitachi, Samsung,
Haier, Sharp, York, Panasonic, Elba and Daikin only.

Only few models from each brand was considered based on availability.
The price is an average value used based on different locations that we
have surveyed and it is cost of 1 unit. This also means that the installation
cost is not part of the study.
Air conditioners with 1.0 HP (Horse Power) to 2.5 HP was considered in
the study.
Usage period for the air conditioner was fixed at 8 hours a day.
2.2 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is an important parameter that assist the ranking
process. EER is the ratio between cooling capacity in British Thermal Units per
hour (BTU/h) to total energy input (Watt). EER value will show the efficiency of
the air conditioner to change electrical energy into cold air. The higher the EER
value, the lower the operational cost will be.
The table below shows the different class of efficiency and the EER values.
Class EER (BTU/h/W)
5 > 10.41 Efficiency
4 9.94 10.4 reduces
3 8.99 9.93
2 8.52 8.98
1 < 8.51
EER value can be found in air conditioner labels or can be calculated as below:
Energy Efficiency Ratio : Cooling Capacity of Air Conditioner (BTU/h)

(EER) Air Conditioner Energy Input (Watt)

Calculation Example
From a 1 HP air conditioner label, the cooling capacity is 9200 BTU/h and energy
input is 900 Watt. Calculate the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for the air
conditioner.
EER = 9200 (BTU/h)

900 (W)
= 10.22 (Btu/h/W)
The EER value for the air conditioner is 10.22 BTU/h/W. This value places the air
conditioner in Class 4.
By doing this simple calculation, we as consumers can know the efficiency of air
conditioner.
The diagrams below give example of label for energy efficiency that can be seen
in an air conditioner.
B show the class for

energy efficiency for
air conditioner
Diagram 1: Example of label of Energy Efficiency in Europe

(Source: European Union Energy Label)

5 and 3 represent the class of

energy efficiency for air
conditioner. 1 is less efficient
and 5 is most efficient.
(Full label) (Simplified label)

Diagram 2: Example of Energy Efficiency label in Malaysia for Air Conditioner
(Source: Energy Commission)
2.3 Equipment Cost
Basically, consumers in Malaysia use cost of equipment as the main factor in

decision to purchase. Consumers prefer cheaper air conditioners compared to
slightly expensive but energy efficient air conditioners that reduces operational
cost.
This is the reason why we use the cost price versus efficiency as the second
parameter in determining the ranking for the air conditioners. To simplify
calculation, you can visit www.switch.org.my and use the $$$ versus
Efficiency calculator. Compare choices and ensure the product is value to
money and efficient in usage of electricity.
2.4 Comparison of the Air Conditioners
The air conditioners are divided into those with inverter and without inverter
(normal). This study will look into the advantage of inverter air conditioners
compared to normal air conditioners.

3.0 Results of the Study
3.1 Air Conditioner with Inverter
3.1.1 1 HP Air Conditioner with Inverter

Brand Model EER Value Tabulation $$$ vs Efficiency Final Ranking***
Cooling Power EER Ranking 2 Cost (RM) Power Ranking 1 Overall Final
Capacity ranking
LG V10CRH 9000 670 13.43 2 1399.00 670 1 1.5 1
Sharp AHXP10LV 9000 735 12.24 4 1300.00 735 2 3 2
Hitachi RAS-X10CY 9900 725 13.66 1 1599.00 725 6 3.5 3
Panasonic CS-S10KKH 9550 760 12.57 3 1329.00 760 5 4 4
York Y5WMY10J 9000 760 11.84 5 1260.00 760 4 4.5 5
Daikin FTKD25DVM 8500 725 11.72 6 1300.00 725 3 4.5 6
Haier HSU-108HEA03 10000 900 11.11 7 1299.00 900 7 7 7
*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

**$$$ vs Efficiency Prices are obtained from market survey between December 2009 February 2010. Ranking is obtained from the
online calculator in www.switch.org.my.
***Final Ranking Average of Ranking 1 and Ranking 2

3.1.2 1.5 HP Air Conditioner with Inverter

Brand Model EER Value Tabulation $$$ vs Efficiency Final
Ranking***
Cooling Power EER Ranking 2 Cost Power Ranking Overall Final
Capacity (RM) 1 ranking
Sharp AHXP13LV 12000 1010 11.88 3 1650.00 1010 1 2 1
Hitachi RAS-X13CY 13000 995 13.07 1 1929.00 995 6 3.5 2
Panasonic CS-S13KKH 12500 1040 12.02 2 1689.00 1040 5 3.5 3
LG V12CRH 12000 1010 11.88 4 1749.00 1010 4 4 4
Daikin FTKD35DVM 11900 1035 11.50 6 1615.00 1035 3 4.5 5
York Y5WMY15J 12000 1060 11.32 7 1540.00 1060 2 4.5 6
Haier HSU-138HEA03 13000 1100 11.82 5 1699.00 1100 7 6 7



Panasonic CS-S18KKH 18000 1470 12.24 1 2539 1470 1 1 1
Hitachi RAS-X18CX 17740 1580 11.23 2 2859 1580 3 2.5 2
Daikin FTKD50FVM 17700 1600 11.06 3 2500 1600 2 2.5 3


Panasonic CS-S24KKH 21300 1880 11.33 1 2999 1880 1 1 1
Daikin FTKD60FVM 21200 2100 10.10 2 3100 2100 2 2 2


3.2 Air Conditioners without Inverter

3.2.1 1 HP Air Conditioner without Inverter
Brand Model EER Value Tabulation* $$$ vs Efficiency** Final
Ranking***
Cooling Power EER Ranking Price (RM) Power Ranking Overall Final
Capacity 1 2 ranking
York YWM09G 9000 880 10.23 3 780.00 880 2 2.5 1
Elba EWS-9210 9000 880 10.23 4 850.00 880 4 4 2
Samsung AS09RLN 9000 840 10.71 9 939.00 840 3 6 3
Haier HSU-09LE08 9000 950 9.47 1 899.00 950 11 6 4
Daikin FT25DVM 8900 815 10.92 12 950.00 815 1 6.5 5
Elba EWS-9215 9200 940 9.79 2 934.00 940 12 7 6
LG G10LS 9300 900 10.33 7 929.00 900 8 7.5 7
Sharp AHA9JEV 9000 835 10.78 11 1000.00 835 5 8 8
Samsung AE09ELN 9000 840 10.71 10 1109.00 840 7 8.5 9
LG N10NP 9300 900 10.33 6 1109.00 900 13 9.5 10
Hitachi RAS-E10CY 9220 897.5 10.27 5 1159.00 897.5 15 10 11
Panasonic CS-C9KKH 9210 780 11.81 16 1199.00 780 6 11 12
LG ICE10R 9000 850 10.59 8 1299.00 850 14 11 13
Sharp AHAP9JLH 9000 780 11.54 15 1319.00 780 9 12 14
York YWM10J 10000 880 11.36 14 850.00 880 10 12 15
Hitachi RAS-S10CY 10110 897.5 11.26 13 1199.00 897.5 16 14.5 16


3.2.2 1.5 HP Air Conditioner without Inverter

Brand Model EER Value Tabulation $$$ vs Efficiency Final
Ranking***
York YWM15G 13000 1160 11.21 3 1030.00 1160 1 2 1
Daikin FT35DVM 12200 1120 10.89 4 1260.00 1120 2 3 2
Hitachi RAS-S13CY 12055 1060 11.37 1 1609.00 1060 7 4 3
Sharp AHA12JEV 12000 1105 10.86 5 1400.00 1105 4 4.5 5
Hitachi RAS-E13CY 11985 1110 10.80 6 1409.00 1110 5 5.5 6
Samsung AS12ULN 12000 1160 10.34 8 1199.00 1160 3 5.5 7
Samsung AS12ELN 12000 1160 10.34 9 1419.00 1160 9 9 8
LG ICE12R 12000 1140 10.53 7 1659.00 1140 12 9.5 9
LG G12LS 12200 1200 10.17 11 1199.00 1200 8 9.5 10
York YWM15J 12500 1280 9.77 12 1030.00 1280 10 11 11
LG N12NP 12700 1240 10.24 10 1459.00 1240 14 12 12
Elba EWS-1215 11500 1290 8.91 14 1176.00 1290 11 12.5 13
Haier HSU-12LE08 12000 1280 9.38 13 1299.00 1280 13 13 14



Cooling Power EER Ranking Price Power Ranking 1 Overall Final
Capacity 2 (RM) ranking
Daikin FT50FVM 18090 1650 10.96 1 1900.00 1650 1 1 1
LG N18NP 18000 1680 10.71 2 2249.00 1680 2 2 2
LG G18LS 18000 1800 10.00 4 1889.00 1800 3 3.5 3
Elba EWS-1815 18000 1900 9.47 6 1734.00 1900 4 5 5
Hitachi RAS-E18CY 17580 1870 9.40 7 2050.00 1870 5 6 6
York YWM20G / 19500 2001 9.75 5 2001 9 7 7
1750.00
YSL20C
Samsung AS18ULN 18000 1920 9.38 8 1919.00 1920 6 7 8
Haier HSU- 18000 1950 9.23 10 1950 8 9 9
1899.00
18LE08
Samsung AS18ELN 18000 1920 9.38 9 2169.00 1920 10 9.5 10
Sharp AHA18JEV 18000 2030 8.87 11 2199.00 2030 11 11 11



Hitachi RAS-24CE9G 24060 2213 10.87 1 2729.00 2213 3 2 1
Samsung AS24ULN 24000 2350 10.21 2 2279.00 2350 2 2 2
Haier HSU-22LE08 22000 2250 9.78 4 2099.00 2250 1 2.5 3
Panasonic CS-C24KKH 24000 2430 9.88 3 2699.00 2430 6 4.5 4
Hitachi RAS-E24CY 22180 2335 9.50 5 2469.00 2335 4 4.5 5
Daikin FT60FVM 22530 2460 9.16 6 2300.00 2460 3 4.5 6
York YWM25G / 24000 2730 8.79 8 2730 7 7.5 7
2020.00
YSL25C
LG N24NP 24000 2700 8.89 7 2599.00 2700 9 8 8
Elba EWS-2415 24000 2750 8.73 9 2427.00 2750 8 8.5 9
Sharp AHA24JEV 24000 2760 8.70 10 2499.00 2760 10 10 10


4.0 Summary and Discussion
Air Conditioner with Inverter

Power Ranking Brand Model
1.0 HP 1 LG V10CRH
2 Sharp AHXP10LV
3 Hitachi RAS-X10CY
1.5 HP 1 Sharp AHXP13LV
2 Hitachi RAS-X13CY
3 Panasonic CS-S13KKH
2.0 HP 1 Panasonic CS-S18KKH
2 Hitachi RAS-X18CX
3 Daikin FTKD50FVM
2.5 HP 1 Panasonic CS-S24KKH
2 Daikin FTKD60FVM
Air Conditioner without Inverter
1.0 HP 1 York YWM09G
2 Elba EWS-9210
3 Samsung AS09RLN
1.5 HP 1 York YWM15G
2 Daikin FT35DVM
3 Hitachi RAS-S13CY
2.0 HP 1 Daikin FT50FVM
2 LG N18NP
3 LG G18LS
2.5 HP 1 Hitachi RAS-24CE9G
2 Samsung AS24ULN
3 Haier HSU-22LE08

The study on the air conditioner with and without inverter was based on 2
parameters, the cost and the EER value in terms of efficiency. The results
suggest that the top three models are the best in terms of cost and EER value.
Even though the cost price of energy efficient air conditioners are high compared
to other brands, the $$$ versus Efficiency calculator proves that in long run,
electricity bill that we have to pay will be lesser. This also proves that the
efficiency of the air conditioner to convert 1 Watt of energy into cold air in higher
compared to other models comparatively.
In addition to that, the result of the study also proves that the air conditioner with
inverter technology is better than the those without. This is also due to the
capability of inverter technology to reduce between 30% and 50% of energy
consumption. The inverter technology will be explained further in the next chapter.

5.0 Inverter Technology
As a consumer, do we know what inverter technology is? How this technology

helps us to reduce electricity usage?
This technology is used widely lately, not only in air conditioners but also on
washing machines and microwaves. For air conditioners, inverter technology
allows to add the power consumption and be energy efficient. The normal air
conditioners work with a stable speed and can be seen as switching on and off a
light. When a unit is switched on, it operates with full load. Switching on and off
cycle causes huge temperature differences and increases power consumption.
However, air conditioner with inverter technology, works like accelerator in a car,
just to suit the need of energy. The inverter unit will increase its capacity slowly to
cool the room. Once the set temperature is achieved, it will reduce the capacity
and continue to operate to prevent huge temperature differences. This gives
more comfort and efficiency.
The diagram below shows the differences between air conditioner with inverter
and without inverter in the cooling cycle. The cooling cycle for air conditioner
without inverter is huge compared to the one with inverter.
Temperature difference in temperature cycle
Time to start cooling

With inverter
Set temperature
Without inverter
Time
Graph to compare temperature differences for air conditioner with and without inverter

Advantage of inverter technology:

(i) Reach set temperature faster
(ii) Start up time can be reduce to 1/3
(iii) Reduces energy consumption between 30 % and 50 %
(iv) Prevent cycle at compressor (no peak loading)
(v) No huge temperature cycle difference.
Disadvantage of inverter technology:

(i) The reduction of energy consumption is based on usage period in a
specified location.
(ii) If the cooling space is occupied by heavy in flow and out flow of people
it can lead to high losses of cold air, this can shoot up the energy
consumption.
(iii) Design of building and room must be suitable

6.0 TIPS TO CHOOSE SUITABLE AIR CONDITIONER
Purchasing air conditioner is an investment and the right purchase will be value
for money and reduces energy consumption. However, a wrong purchase will
lead the consumer to bare a higher cost in the lifetime of the air conditioner.
As a smart consumer, you should list the air conditioners before purchasing.
These are few steps that you can follow.
6.1 Determine the type of air conditioner that is needed
Weigh few criterias before pruchasing. For example, the size of the room that
needs to be cooled. You can refer back to our Air Conditioner Report Part 1 at
www.switch.org.my for simple guideline on room size. There are other factors
such as energy efficiency, range of price, and specification of air conditioner that
can be considered.
6.2 Do a Price Survey
Normally, the price of an air conditioner varies from shop to shop. Sometimes it
comes as installation packages, discounts and etc. List down your choices and
do a comparison on prices, efficiency and specification.
6.3 Make Some References
You can also make enquiries and do direct reference with contractors to get extra
information compared to information from sales personnel. Some additional
information that needs to be understood is about installation, maintenance and
operation of an air conditioner.

6.4 Do not be trapped with Cheap Prices offered
In reality, Malaysians prefer price as a factor to choose products compared to the

quality of product. In purchasing an air conditioner, price alone cannot be
considered. For example, if you purchase air conditioners with inverter
technology, it will be more expensive compared to normal air conditioners.
However, the operational cost or the electricity cost will be reducing 30% to 50%
based on design. This saves electricity usage and your money as well.
7.0 TIPS ON INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND SAFETY

OF AIR CONDITIONERS
(i) Clean and replace air filters periodically. Air filter that are choked with
dust will reduce the in flow of air to the cooling system. Do inspection
at least once a month. A clean filter reduces electricity consumption by
5% 15%. Trapped dust can reduce cooling effect, increase electricity
consumption and spoil the air conditioner.
(ii) Cleaning the coil. Coil that is covered with dust reduces cooling effect.
To clean the coil, you need to switch off the electricity supply and use
vacuum cleaner to clean the dust for the internal units coils. For
external units coil you can clean by using water.
(iii) Leakage check for air conditioner fluid pipe. Check all pipe and
connections at least twice in a year. This is important to ensure the
problems are detected for repair or replacement.

(iv) Checking Internal and External Units. For internal unit, ensure the
blowers passage is not blocked or any frozen liquid formed. This will
spoil the air conditioners. For external unit, ensure there is ample of
space for the unit and it is free from dry leaves or flower pots.
(v) Cleaning the Internal Unit. Wipe with clean and soft cloth. Do not use
water more than 40oC or strong cleansing liquid.
(vi) Do Not Reduce Cooling Cycle System. Air conditioners have similar
cooling cycle as refrigerator. It is important not to switch of and on
immediately. It is advisable to leave the air conditioner to rest at least
for 10 minutes to ensure the pressure in cooling system reaches
equilibrium. This will prolong the life span of the air conditioner.
(vii) Periodic Inspection. After a period of time, air conditioners will be dirty
and its performance will drop. Based on the operational condition, dirt
may cause smell and affects the dehumidification system. A periodic
maintenance is important and it can be done with trained technicians.
(viii) Step to Reduce Operating Cost is Based on Internal Heat Generation

in a Premise
Switch off the room lights when not is use. Light emits heat and can
cause the air conditioner to work harder.
Prevent direct sunlight to the functioning air conditioner.
Reduce activities that require opening and closing of the door
frequently. This causes loss of cold air.
Do not place heat sources close to air conditioner.
(ix) External unit placing. Place the external unit in a shaded and open
area. The air movement should not be obstructed.

(x) Maintenance. Appoint air conditioner technician to service the air

conditioner at least once in 2 years, do ensure you check the gas
pressure and wiring.
(xi) Check the wiring. Remove the plug if the air conditioner will not be use
for a long period of time. Ensure the wiring and sockets are in good
manner.
(xii) Do not fix the air conditioner piping more than proposed length
The cooling capacity will reduce if the piping it too long,
Compressor may become faulty because the stressed function and
you may loose the warrantee towards the unit.
(xiii) Do inspection to your electrical supply. Before fixing an air conditioner,

ensure the wiring can carry to electrical load. Do not use extension
cords.
(xiv) Set the temperature between 24-26OC. Cooling the room below 20OC
will cause the heat from outside to enter faster. This increases the
energy consumption.
(xv) If it is too hot, you can use fans to assist air movement. Air movement
helps to cool down by evaporating your sweats, this is natural way of
cooling the body.

8.0 Summary
In total, the research conducted by us is aimed to give overall picture of the air
conditioners in Malaysian market, assist consumers in buying cost effective and
energy efficient air conditioners, explain the inverter technology and its functions,
and assist consumers to calculate the EER value of the air conditioners. With this
information we hope consumers can choose the air conditioners carefully to
ensure it is energy efficient and cost effective.

ATTACHMENT
List of Air Conditioners that has 4 5 Star Rating in Malaysia


(source: Energy Commission)

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Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (WECAM)

WECAM RESEARCH DIVISION

CONSUMER REFERENCE FOR ENERGY

REPORT ON AIR CONDITIONERS PART 2

Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 1

Air Conditioners are becoming important equipment at homes today. With

In order to assist consumers, WECAM have conducted a survey on variety of air

2.0 Method of Study

1. Energy Efficiency Ratio-EER

However, the limitations to the study are:

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 2

2.2 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Energy Efficiency Ratio : Cooling Capacity of Air Conditioner (BTU/h)

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 3

EER = 9200 (BTU/h)

B show the class for

Diagram 1: Example of label of Energy Efficiency in Europe

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 4

5 and 3 represent the class of

(Full label) (Simplified label)

2.3 Equipment Cost

Basically, consumers in Malaysia use cost of equipment as the main factor in

2.4 Comparison of the Air Conditioners

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 5

3.0 Results of the Study

3.1 Air Conditioner with Inverter

3.1.1 1 HP Air Conditioner with Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 6

3.1.2 1.5 HP Air Conditioner with Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 7

3.1.3 2.0 HP Air Conditioner with Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

3.1.4 2.5 HP Air Conditioner with Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 8

3.2 Air Conditioners without Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 9

3.2.2 1.5 HP Air Conditioner without Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 10

3.2.3 2.0 HP Air Conditioner without Inverter

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 11

3.2.4 2.5 HP Air Conditioner without Inverter

Brand Model EER Value Tabulation $$$ vs Efficiency Final Ranking***

*EER Tabulation Data is obtained from labels and product information.

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 12

4.0 Summary and Discussion

Air Conditioner with Inverter

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 13

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 14

5.0 Inverter Technology

As a consumer, do we know what inverter technology is? How this technology

Temperature difference in temperature cycle

Time to start cooling

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 15

Advantage of inverter technology:

Disadvantage of inverter technology:

Copyright of WECAM@2009. All rights reserved. 16