Numerous studies have documented the savings from Verified™ refrigerant charge and airflow. Verified, Inc. recently completed a study of new residential air conditioners with thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs). Field measurements of participant and non-participant air conditioners were made to determine actual efficiency before and after correcting RCA. Participants in the study had rated SEER values 21 percent higher than non-participants. However, the average measured efficiency for participants was only 6 percent better due to improper RCA (based on average pre-EER of 10.6 for participants and 10.0 for non-participants). After correcting RCA, the efficiency difference between participants and non-participants increased to 19 percent. Findings from this study indicate that TXV and non-TXV units are both subject to efficiency losses due to improper RCA. RMA measured 47 air conditioners this summer at mobile home parks throughout California and found similar results (see Figures below).
For these examples the power savings are 1.1 and 0.7 kW and the efficiency gain is 38 percent. These measurements were made during inspections with representatives of the CPUC and SCE. If all new air conditioners were checked for proper installation the estimated potential statewide savings over 15 years would be 780 GWh/year and 1,020 MW, enough electricity to power 510,000 homes (conservatively assumes 50% of new units are installed improperly).
