|
SALES of energy efficient air-conditioners have been rising since mandatory labelling for such gadgets came into force in January.
Retailers and manufacturers have reported a 10 per cent increase for the most efficient models.
Since January, all air-conditioners and refridgerators must have energy labels, explaining how much electricity the appliance uses per hour.
'It tells customers at one glance, how much they stand to save if they purchase a particular model,' said Ms Lily Teo, merchandising manager at electronics retailer Gain City Best-Electric.
Armed with a calculator, consumers can figure out how much money they stand to save off their electricity bills, by looking at a unit's energy label.
For instance, choosing a $1,500 energy efficient air-conditioner over a less efficient $900 one could translate into savings of up to $860.
First introduced as a voluntary scheme in 2002, labels were made mandatory this year.
Awarded by the National Environment Agency, appliances with zero ticks have low efficiency, while those will the maximum of four checks have an 'excellent' efficiency rating.
'It has definitely made an impact on air-conditioner sales,' said Ms Teo.
A check with three major brands also revealed that consumers are buying more efficient models - with sales for four-tick models showing some increase.
Going forward, the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) will be extended to clothes dryers by April next year.
For households that use them, clothes dryers are often the second biggest hogs of energy, after air-conditioners.
| 
