Air conditioning has become an integral part of daily life in Australia, where temperatures can soar to unbearable heights during the summer months. But Australia's climate is varied, with some regions experiencing hot and humid conditions, while others are cold and dry. Regardless of the region, Aus aircon has become essential for providing comfort and relief from the heat.
The history of Aus aircon
Aircon first arrived in Australia in the 1930s, although it wasn't until the 1950s and 60s that it became more widely adopted. Prior to air conditioning, Australians relied on natural cooling methods such as ceiling fans and cross ventilation. As air conditioning technology improved, its popularity grew, and it became more affordable.
In the 1970s, the energy crisis led to a decline in aus aircon usage due to the high costs of energy. However, technological advancements in the 1980s and 90s, including the introduction of energy-efficient units, resulted in a resurgence.
The current state of Aus aircon
Today, air conditioning is ubiquitous in Australia, with around 75 per cent of households having some form of AC. Split system air conditioners are the most popular type, followed by ducted and portable units.
The use of air conditioning in commercial buildings is also widespread, with most offices, shops, and public spaces having air conditioning installed. This has led to concerns about the impact of air conditioning on the environment, as well as the energy consumption and cost of operating these units, especially with electricity prices so high!
Energy consumption and efficiency
The widespread use of air conditioning in Australia has led to increased energy consumption, with aus aircon sometimes accounting for 40 per cent of household electricity usage during the summer months. This has resulted in increased greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change.
To address this issue, the government introduced energy efficiency regulations for Aus aircon. Since 2010, all new air conditioners sold in Australia must meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS). This means that air conditioners must meet a certain energy efficiency rating to be sold in Australia.
In addition to MEPS, there are also energy efficiency ‘Star-rating’ labels that provide information on the energy consumption and efficiency of air conditioners. These labels can help consumers make more informed decisions when purchasing an air conditioner, choosing a unit with a higher energy efficiency rating can save money on energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Impact on the Environment
Aus aircon can have a significant impact on the environment because 70 per cent of electricity is generated by coal and gas. The refrigerants can also have a significant impact on the environment. Many refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have been found to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.
To address these environmental concerns, the government has introduced regulations to phase out the use of certain refrigerants. Since 2010, all new air conditioners sold in Australia must use refrigerants that have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than the previously used refrigerants.
Future of Aus aircon
As concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact continue to grow, the future of air conditioning in Australia is likely to focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.
One potential solution is the use of solar-powered air conditioning. Solar air conditioning units use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, which is then used to power the air conditioning unit. This can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Another way to improve Aus aircon is to convert it from being a dumb white good that runs even when it’s not required, to a smart device. This can be done with a help of a smart air conditioning controller. These small units communicate with the Aus aircon unit in the same way as its remote but also connect to Wi-Fi and can be controlled by an app on your phone.
Not only can you turn the AC on and off remotely, it can happen automatically. It can also learn your preferences so that you needn’t set the temperature at all. By learning your preferences, it will also maintain a steady, energy-efficient temperature instead of instigating expensive pump-and-dump cycles that require huge power surges. As such, the savings in electricity can even pay for a smart controller itself!
If you want to save money and add brains to your AC, check out Ambi’s smart AC controllers and upgrade your Aus aircon today!
