How much electricity does the split system consume: calculation examples + options to save

In every house there is a technique that makes life easier and makes life more comfortable. But the more household appliances, the greater the electricity bills their owners receive.

Many cannot decide to buy an air conditioner, being afraid of the colossal sums that they would have to spread for the electricity wound by them. Because of this, you have to deny yourself comfort and fight the sweltering heat alone.

Is climate technology really “gluttonous”? Let's find out what affects the consumption of a split system and whether it is possible to reduce the cost of electricity when using it.

Energy performance indicators

Most modern split systems combine the functions of cooling and heating the air. In each of these modes, equipment spends a different amount of energy. The specific consumption depends on many factors.

Energy Efficiency Ratios

The ratio of the power produced by the device to the energy consumed, which is necessary for its generation, is called the energy efficiency coefficient. It is this indicator that expresses the energy efficiency of climate technology.

Split systems have two of them:

1. Refrigeration coefficient. Allows you to determine the energy consumption required by the device in cooling mode.
2. Thermal coefficient. It makes it possible to assess the level of energy consumption during heating operation.

To calculate the energy efficiency coefficient, you need to know the parameters of power consumed and produced in different modes, indicated in the characteristics of the equipment.

It should be borne in mind that the value of COP (heating power) usually exceeds the EER (cooling power). This is due to the functioning of the compressor.When working, it heats up and transfers heat to the refrigerant circulating in the system. In heating mode, the heat generated by the compressor serves as an additional source of energy

For example, take one of the models of split systems from AUX - ASW-H07A4.

We calculate its EER according to the following formula:

K = Q / N,

Where:

• K - the desired value;
• Q - device power in cooling mode (amount of generated energy in kW);
• N - power consumption (the amount of energy taken from the network in kW).

We get: K = 2.1 / 0.65 = 3.23

Therefore, the EER of the model taken is 3.23. The higher the total indicator, the more economically the device consumes electricity.

Using a similar formula, the thermal coefficient COP is calculated. These values ​​must be indicated in the technical data sheet of the device. You can also find them from the sales assistant during the purchase.

The values ​​claimed by the manufacturer of the consumed and generated power of the split system, as well as COP and EER, may vary to some extent from the real ones. It all depends on the conditions in which the device is used.

At enterprises where tests and calculations of equipment energy efficiency are carried out, the conditions are close to ideal. In practice, they are not always respected.

Therefore, it is important to consider some of the rules for operating air conditioners that prevent over-consumption of electricity. We will dwell on them a bit later.

The parameters of the considered COP and EER coefficients are fundamental in the separation of split systems by energy efficiency classes according to the generally accepted scale.

Energy efficiency classes of split systems

The level of economy or “anti-economy” of split-systems, like many other household appliances, is clearly demonstrated by the energy efficiency scale.

The classification of energy efficiency parameters involves the labeling of devices with special designations - in Latin letters from “A” to “G”. According to the requirements of international quality standards, the designation corresponding to the device must be present on the packaging

Since the considered category of climatic equipment is characterized by two varieties of power output, then there are also two energy efficiency classes assigned to it. Of course, this applies only to those devices that are designed for both heating and cooling rooms.

The most economical group of vehicles are models marked “A”, the most energy-intensive - "G". As existing technologies are constantly being improved, manufacturers began to produce devices whose efficiency exceeds class A.

In this regard, the scale was expanded by adding the notation “A +», «A ++», «A +++". Such models are much more economical, but also much more expensive than others.

Secondary Factors

In addition to the coefficients and energy efficiency classes, there are a number of additional factors affecting how much electricity the split system will consume:

• type of compressor;
• thermal power of the device;
• area of ​​the room;
• difference in internal and external temperatures.

Air conditioning consumption is largely determined by the compressor installed in the device. The amount of energy required depends on the frequency of its rotation. Conventional mechanisms work on a start / stop basis.

When the sensor detects temperature changes above or below the specified elevations, the electronic unit starts the engine. After reaching the desired temperature values, it again turns off. In standby mode, electricity is practically not consumed.

Inverter models smoothly maintain the temperature within the set values. Therefore, they do not need to completely cool the entire volume of air the next time they are turned on. They consume almost half as much electricity, serve longer, can work for heating even in severe frosts

More effective and economical is the scheme by which they work inverter split systems. In these models, the compressors operate non-stop, smoothly changing the speed and, accordingly, the power consumption.

The only drawback of equipment with inverter compressors is the high price. However, judging by user reviews, it pays off pretty quickly.

The larger the area the air conditioner is servicing, the higher its consumption will be and the more heat power it should have. This parameter is measured in BTU and is indicated in numbers - 7, 9, 12, 18, 24, etc.

For average apartments, the first three options are most suitable.

The rest are installed in large houses, office buildings:

• "Seven" corresponds to a value of 7000 BTU (1BTU ≈ 0.3 W). That is, its performance is approximately 2100 watts. Such an aggregate can qualitatively serve premises of 20-25 m², while consuming about 0.7 kW / h.
• "Nine" has a power of 9000 BTU or 2700 watts. It is designed for facilities with an area of ​​25-30 m², consumes electricity in the range of 0.8 kW / h.
• The Twelve with a capacity of 12,000 BTU or 3600 W, it is designed for rooms up to 40 m². Its consumption is about 0.95-1 kW / h.

If you do not compare the thermal power of the device with the area of ​​the room and buy an air conditioner with a lower value than is necessary in reality, you may encounter unpleasant consequences.

First of all, this is fraught with increased energy consumption and shortened life of the device due to excessive loads.

To ensure uninterrupted and safe operation of the air conditioner, you should take care of the availability of a power outlet with a power factor corresponding to its power, check the parameters of the safety plugs in the electrical panel, and make sure that the wiring is in good condition

The temperature outside the window, or rather, its difference with the temperature in the served room, also affects the amount of energy consumed.

For example, the columns of street thermometers rose to +40 ° C, and the room has to be cooled to 22 ° C. In this case, the air conditioner will use up more energy than it would be outside 32 ° C.

Sample energy consumption calculations

Myths about the prohibitively high power consumption of split systems lack a convincing justification. Often the wrong information appears due to the fact that users confuse the concepts of produced and consumed power.

In fact, the energy consumed by the equipment is less than the output. This can be seen in the example of the same popular household model from AUX. Looking at its technical characteristics, we see that in cooling mode the device draws 650 watts and produces 2100 watts.

Any split system consumes three times less energy than it produces. Equipment efficiency - approximately 250%. The main part of the energy is spent on pumping and converting refrigerant, which is provided by the mechanisms included in the system

Model ASW-H07A4 for rooms of 20-25 m² works on the start / stop principle, consuming about 0.7 kW / h. To calculate how much this split system consumes per day and month, suppose that it is turned on for 8 hours a day.

It is worth considering that the equipment will use full power only at a time when it reaches the desired temperature. For a certain period, the compressor is in standby mode.

Even if you take it to the maximum, the device will consume no more than 5.6 kW per day, and 168 kW per month.

According to the tariff for the population in force in 2018, 1 kW will cost 5.38 rubles. This means that the operation of the air conditioner per day will cost no more than 30 rubles, per month - no more than 900 rubles.

We emphasize that the above calculations are approximate, since they do not take into account the features of the operation of the device.

In individual calculations of energy consumption of climate technology, various nuances are taken into account. The consumption is affected by the number of working hours per day, the location of the room on the sunny side, the temperature outside the window and other factors

Total costs may be less when choosing equipment with an inverter compressor, saving up to 40% of energy without loss of power. On average, such devices consume about 0.5-0.6 kW / h.

Compared to some household appliances, a split system that consumes 0.5-1 kW / h depending on the model’s power is more economical.

For example:

• ordinary iron consumes 2-2.5 kW / h;
• the heater pulls at least 2 kW / h;
• the refrigerator takes 1-1.5 kW / h;
• a washing machine requires up to 2.5-5 kW / h;
• electric kettle - 1.5-2 kW / h.

Less power is consumed by a computer, a plasma TV.

How to reduce power consumption?

Actual electricity consumption during operation of the split system can be significantly reduced. To do this, it is worth taking care of the normal operating conditions of the equipment, properly caring for it, and in a timely manner, the prevention of malfunctions affecting the power of the device.

Next, we talk about the nuances and rules that every owner of climate technology should know. Observing them, you can extend the life of the device, ensure its most efficient operation and reduce energy consumption.

Method # 1 - buying economical equipment

If you want to purchase an economical model of a split system, we advise you to pay attention to several devices of trusted manufacturers, which are characterized by the lowest energy consumption.

Mitsubishi Electric System MSZ-LN25VG / MUZ-LN25VG

The inverter model of the famous Japanese brand consumes only 485 watts in cooling mode and 580 watts during operation for heating.

Moreover, the power output is very high. The device is assigned the highest energy efficiency class - A +++.

The device attracts with its stylish design, many advanced technologies and advanced functionality. It is equipped with the new safe R32 refrigerant, which gives it increased energy efficiency.

Among the useful features worth noting:

• economical night mode;
• 2-stage air filtration / disinfection system;
• wifi interface for remote control from a smartphone - allows you to cool / warm the room before the arrival of households;
• the system 3D I-SEE - scans the room, reveals the location of people, evenly distributes air masses in two directions, eliminating overheating and overcooling of individual parts of the room; in the absence of people, the sensor automatically activates the energy-saving mode;
• Hybrid housing that protects against dirt and dust.

The model stands out for its low noise level, while maintaining operability up to -25 ° C. The disadvantage of this product is its high cost - about 74 thousand rubles.

Air conditioner Panasonic CS-E7NKDW

The model of another Japanese brand costs half as much - about 33 thousand rubles. This device also works on an economical inverter compressor with a continuous power control system.

The Panasonic CS-E7NKDW consumes 470 watts in cooling and 635 watts in heating mode. The technical specifications indicate energy efficiency class A +

In the list of functional features of the device:

• sensor Autocomfort and system Mild dry - allow to achieve maximum comfort indoors;
• energy-saving night mode;
• timer for setting on / off;
• automatic restart after power outages;
• mode Powerful - speeds up the cooling / heating of the room.

The equipment works quite silently, copes well with the tasks. Of the minuses - an insufficiently effective air purification system, a limited temperature regime when working on heating - to -5 ° C.

Split system Ballu BSLI-07HN1 / EE / EU

This model of the Chinese brand is one of the most budgetary among inverter split systems. It can be purchased at a price of 19 thousand rubles.

Split system of a Chinese manufacturer with energy efficiency class A consumes 650 watts in cooling and 590 watts in heating mode

Despite the budget price, the equipment is equipped with many useful features:

• economical night mode;
• timer for setting on / off;
• self-diagnosis of emerging malfunctions;
• preliminary cleaning of air flows;
• operational cooling of the room in turbo mode.

The minimum temperature when working on heating is -10 ° C. The disadvantages of the product are noise, an uncomfortable remote control, and a not very clear timer configuration scheme.

Method # 2 - block air from outside

The first thing to do before turning on the air conditioner in order to save energy is to tightly close all the windows, windows and doors. If there are gaps in the door or window openings that allow air to pass through, they must be removed as far as possible.

Artificial lighting devices in the apartment also serve as an additional source of heat. When using an air conditioner for cooling, it is more reasonable and economical to install fluorescent and LED bulbs in a house. An ordinary incandescent bulb gives out much more heat

On sunny days, it is advisable to lower the blinds, cover the windows with blackout curtains or a protective reflective film. It is especially important to observe this rule in rooms with windows facing the hot sunny side.

Such manipulations can minimize the loss of warm or chilled air, which depends on the mode in which the air conditioner operates. As a result, the risk of redirecting most of the air conditioner's power to compensate for heat from the outside is prevented.

A device exposed to direct sunlight draws at least 5% more energy than usual.

Method # 3 - choosing the right temperature

Wrong cooling temperature is the most common mistake among users of split systems.

The safest and most comfortable temperature conditions for humans are considered to be between 23-24 ° C.

Sudden changes in temperature are very dangerous. Frequent transitions from sweltering heat to a cold, air-conditioned room can cause a sharp decrease in immunity and a violation of the person’s thermoregulatory system. Therefore, when choosing the temperature regime in a split system, it is important to observe the measure

Choosing literally 3-5 values ​​less than the recommended norm, you will jeopardize your health and force the equipment to operate at maximum power. Such experiments are fraught not only with colds, but also with an increased consumption of electricity.

Method # 4 - competent equipment care

The technical condition of the device affects its performance. In case of contamination of mechanisms, violation of the integrity of individual elements or insufficient amount of refrigerant in the system, the capacity of the equipment can drop significantly. Freon fueling system rules we reviewed here.

The air conditioner will consume energy, but will not be able to cope with its direct responsibilities.

To avoid this, you need to properly care for the climate equipment:

As you can see, any split system needs regular maintenance. Otherwise, you may encounter increased energy consumption, serious damage or irreparable failure.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features self service split systems.

Method # 5 - ensure proper operation

Each split system is designed to operate in a certain temperature range. A similar nuance must be clarified before purchase. You can see the information in the instructions that came with the product.

After installing the split system, it is important to ensure free air access to the indoor and outdoor units. Barrier obstructions reduce equipment efficiency and increase energy consumption

Permissible operating temperatures must not be violated, otherwise the efficiency of the device will drop sharply. If the minimum recommended temperature for using the device in heating mode is -5 ° C, then it should not be turned on during the period when it is colder outside.

For heating rooms in cold weather, there are special models of split systems. In such conditions, they will consume electricity more efficiently.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Explanations about the energy efficiency of split systems:

Analysis of the advantages of economical inverter models:

How to choose an air conditioner by room area:

If you decide to purchase a split system, this does not mean that you have to give huge amounts of electricity. The main thing is to choose an economical model and use it correctly.

Do not forget to turn off the air conditioner when it is not needed, keep it clean, set the optimum temperature, protect the cold by closing windows and doors. These guidelines will help you live comfortably and not overpay for wasted kilowatts..

What saving methods do you use? Share your secrets with other users - leave your comments in the block below.

Do you think that it makes no sense to save electricity when operating a split system? Or strongly disagree with one of the methods proposed in our material? Write your opinion under this article.