Energy-efficient air conditioning systems

In the heart of Europe, Germany is experiencing a significant shift in energy consumption patterns, particularly in the realm of air conditioning. As temperatures rise, air conditioning has become increasingly important in buildings across the country, accounting for 2.5% of total energy consumption in the commercial, retail, and service sectors - a figure that has shown steady growth.

Interestingly, in households, the contribution of air conditioning to total energy consumption is relatively low, currently standing at 0.2%. However, this picture is changing, with the number of air conditioning devices in Germany on the rise, despite fewer sales compared to other countries.

The growing demand for air conditioning is not unexpected, given that the number of hot days in Germany has tripled since the 1980s. This trend is forecasted to continue, with projections suggesting that a larger portion of the energy consumption of buildings in the south of Europe may be used for air conditioning, similar to what may occur in Germany in the future.

However, this increasing demand for air conditioning raises concerns about energy efficiency and environmental impact. Retailers often offer air conditioning devices with an average energy efficiency of 5.3, which can cause electricity costs to increase by up to a third.

Fortunately, there are eco-friendly solutions to this problem. Combining energy-efficient air conditioning devices and renewable energy sources, such as solar power, can provide a sustainable way to cool buildings. In fact, those who operate solar panels generate a lot of electricity during midday heat, a time of high air conditioning demand.

The symbiosis of utilizing solar energy during midday heat for air conditioning should be utilized more. The most efficient energy-saving air conditioning systems available in Europe are typically heat pump-based systems with high energy efficiency classes such as A+++ according to the EU Energy Label. These systems often use environmentally friendly refrigerants like R290. In Germany, heat pumps are increasingly used for heating and cooling due to their significant CO₂ emission reductions and are promoted as part of the energy transition.

As the sales of air conditioning devices in Germany continue to rise, there is a pressing need for eco-friendly ways to cool buildings. Half of the population planning to purchase an air conditioning device are motivated by climate change and upcoming heatwaves. Approximately one in five of the German population plans to purchase an air conditioning device.

In conclusion, as Germany navigates its energy transition and faces rising temperatures, finding eco-friendly solutions for air conditioning will be crucial. The symbiosis of solar power and energy-efficient air conditioning systems offers a promising path forward.