JEDDAH: The UAE is in the process of restricting the entry of inefficient air-conditioning units in the country and has begun rolling out energy efficiency labeling system for window type and split-system. Through a series of initiatives that calls for more efficient and energy-saving air conditioners, the UAE expects to cut down 30 percent of electricity consumption or save approximately AED250 million per year. Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) is currently conducting a massive educational campaign, which will increase the awareness of how inefficient units add on to household and industrial costs. It has now finalized the Energy Efficiency Labeling System, which allows consumers to distinguish efficient products by the stars and certificates accorded to them. This standard deals with the energy efficiency labels for single phase household air-conditioners for single package (such as window type) and split-system non-ducted air-conditioners using air and water-cooled condensers for residential or commercial use. Eng. Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director general, ESMA, said: "Through the energy efficiency labeling system, people can see which air conditioners are ideal for use. The labeling scheme categorize the product from one-star to five-star, the five-star label being the most efficient." "Better efficiency means lesser consumption of energy. So, if you use a one-star labeled air conditioning unit, you may save up to 12 percent but if you use a five-star labeled unit, your cost savings could reach up to 30 percent." Beginning January 2012, no air-conditioning unit will be allowed entry to the UAE unless they comply with energy efficiency labeling system. "For the ones that are already in the market place, we have agreed with the traders that they have to remove them from their inventory either by selling them or shipping them somewhere else by the end of this year. We are also in coordination with the UAE customs to develop electronic links for the traders to get access to the system and have all of their approvals before shipping the units to UAE in advance,” Badri added.
