The Difference One Degree Makes
Author: Aircon Off Date Posted:25 June 2014
What happens when you change your temperature set-point by just 1°?
With reverse cycle air conditioning accounting for over 50% of power consumption in a typical building, its important to know that a change of just 1˚ in a system’s setpoint temperature can have significant effect on the overall power consumption.
The NSW Government states the following
Increasing the temperature setpoint by 1°C will reduce the amount of power your air conditioner uses by up to 10 per cent, saving 200 kg of carbon pollution. The setpoint defines the temperature level required to make an air-conditioned space comfortable. When the temperature rises above or drops below the setpoint, the system's control measures start working to return to that level. The lower the setpoint in summer, the harder the system has to work. In winter, the reverse is true - the higher the setpoint, the harder the system works.
Origin Energy states
Increasing the room temperature by 1°C, you could save up to 10% of operating costs.
Monash University claims
Studies have shown that widening the set point range by 1° can save around 10% of energy consumed by the HVAC system.
i NSW Government , http://www.savepower.nsw.gov.au/business/power-saving-tips/increase-the-temperature-setpoint-when-cooling.aspx
ii Origin Energy: http://www.originenergy.com.au/2673/Heating-and-cooling
iii Monash University : http://fsd.monash.edu.au/environmental-sustainability/environmental-issues/set-points-faqs
