ENG03

AC Controller Optimisation

This measure is so easy to implement it will be hard to understand why it is not already in place.

Wall mounted controllers or the remote controllers for air-conditioning units have been packed with energy saving features for many years, despite this it is rare to find an installation where these have been set-up to derive the greatest energy conservation benefit.

Simply sourcing a copy of the user manual for your specific controller, which will almost certainly be freely available if you search the internet, will give you the simple step by step instructions you need to take to exploit these features.

While features vary across the different manufacturers and models detailed below are some of the features you may well find are available to you:

Temperature Range Restriction

This allows you to pre-program a maximum and minimum temperature which can be selected at the controller. When unrestricted it is not unusual to find a user sets a temperature at an extreme end of the temperature scale, often in the misguided belief that picking an extreme will result in the room changing temperature more quickly.

Auto-Off Timer

With this feature the air-conditioning will automatically switch off after it has been running for the time period that you define, preventing the unit ever being left running in an unoccupied area because the previous occupant forgot to switch it off. T

Auto-Reset

When a user varies the temperature set point of the AC unit this feature will automatically return it to the standard set point, that you have defined, after a period of time has elapsed. The time that elapses before this reset occurs is also defined by you.

Daily & Weekly Timers

Allows you to define automatic switch on and off times for your AC units, typically a number of on /off periods can be set per day.

Implementation

This really is as easy as following the steps in the user manual to program the controller, not dis-similar to programming a domestic heating controller. Not all features will be useful in every installation, ensure you have a clear idea of how a space is used before selecting the features which would benefit that mode of occupation.

Retaining the benefit

These functions are typically password controlled to ensure that once implemented they bring you effective energy control for years to come.

Disclaimer: The advice given in this conservation measure is given in good faith, with every use case and facility being different we cannot assert that this conservation measure is appropriate for you. You are recommended to take appropriate advice before implementing any change. SDGAssist cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from your implementation of this measure.