Development of energy labels for room air conditioner in Malaysia: methodology and results

Because of the rapid economic growth in the past, the usage of residential electrical appliances for the last two decades has increased rapidly in Malaysia. Like other developing countries with hot and humid climates, she has been experiencing dramatic growth in the number of air conditioners used from 13,251 units in 1970 to 253,399 in 1991, and it will be about 1,511,276 in the year 2020. In order to reduce energy consumption in the residential sector, the Department of Electricity and Gas Supply, Malaysia, considers implementing energy labels for household electrical appliances, including room air conditioners, sometime in the coming year. The purpose of the energy labels is to provide consumers a guideline to compare the size, features, price and efficiency of the appliance. This paper attempts to propose an energy label for room air conditioners in this country based on survey data. This label is also suitable for other appliances without major modification. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.