Cost-Benefit of Improving the Efficiency of Room Air Conditioners (Inverter and Fixed Speed) in India
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States). Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division
- Government of India, New Delhi (India). Bureau of Energy Efficiency
- Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), Washington, DC (United States)
Improving efficiency of air conditioners (ACs) typically involves improving the efficiency of various components such as compressors, heat exchangers, expansion valves, refrigerant and fans. We estimate the incremental cost of improving the efficiency of room ACs based on the cost of improving the efficiency of its key components. Further, we estimate the retail price increase required to cover the cost of efficiency improvement, compare it with electricity bill savings, and calculate the payback period for consumers to recover the additional price of a more efficient AC. We assess several efficiency levels, two of which are summarized below in the report. The finding that significant efficiency improvement is cost effective from a consumer perspective is robust over a wide range of assumptions. If we assume a 50% higher incremental price compared to our baseline estimate, the payback period for the efficiency level of 3.5 ISEER is 1.1 years. Given the findings of this study, establishing more stringent minimum efficiency performance criteria (one star level) should be evaluated rigorously considering significant benefits to consumers, energy security and environment.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of International Affairs (IA). U.S.-India Space Cooling Collaboration
- Contributing Organization:
- Government of India, New Delhi (India); Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 1342227
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-1005787; ir:1005787
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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