Summer has arrived and Enea relaunches its decalogue for efficient use of air conditioners. The goal is to reduce consumption, improve living comfort and encourage sustainable air conditioning
Cool efficiently: the Enea decalogue
With the summer the advice of Enea return to how to refresh the domestic environment without neglecting the sustainability. In addition to optimizing existing air conditioners, the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development suggests to replace the old plants with heat pumpscapable of refrigerating in summer and heating in winter, reducing both consumption and emissions.
Second Nicolandrea Calabreseresponsible for ENEA workshop for energy efficiency in buildingsin Italy over 19 million gas boilers are installed, at least 7 million of which are more than 15 years old. To these are added about 1.7 million air conditioners installed before 2013, now obsolete.
The replacement with heat pumps can reduce air conditioning costs up to 49% in Naples, 47% in Rome and 46% in Milan. In addition, thanks to tax incentives, the return of the investment is estimated in about six and a half years (in Naples and Rome) and 4 and a half years in Milan.
Advantages of heat pumps
The heat pumps are convenient in the long run, require less maintenance and guarantee higher thermal comfort thanks to a homogeneous distribution of heat or cold. A qualified technician must carry out a preliminary energy diagnosis to verify the compatibility of the system with the fan coils and the possibility of unloading for condensation.
Incentives and tax deductions
Unlike gas boilers, heat pumps still enjoy tax incentives. Deduations vary: 50% home bonus for main home, 36% home bonus per second home, Ecobonus 50% for replacement with high efficiency heat pumps (main home), 36% Ecobonus per second home. The expenses are deductible for purchases made by 31 December 2025.
Objective: towards zero emissions buildings
Savings grows further if the heat pumps are combined with photovoltaic systems and storage systems, transforming the house into a zero emission building (Zemb), in line with the European EPBD IV directive.
Ten ENEA tips for efficient use of the air conditioning
Regular maintenance
Cleaning of filters and frequent controls improve efficiency and protect health, also preventing the proliferation of dangerous bacteria such as legionella.
Technology and energy class
Choose class A air conditioners or superior and prefer the inverter models, more efficient and silent.
Tax incentives
Take advantage of the air conditioner bonus up to 50% to reduce purchase and installation costs.
Correct installation
Place the internal unit at the top and far from obstacles, and protect the external one on their own and bad weather.
Management of doors and windows
Close windows and lower shutters in the hot hours. Open the windows only in the fresh hours of the night.
Adequate temperature
Maintain the internal temperature to no less than 26 ° C. The dehumidification function is often sufficient to improve comfort.
Dedicated split for each room
Install a unit per room, avoiding the illusion of cooling the whole house from a corridor.
Limit thermal contributions
Reduce the use of electronic equipment in the hottest hours in order not to increase the internal temperature.
Cooling programs
Use the “Night” or “Sleep” functions and the timers to adjust the temperature intelligently.
Energy diagnosis
Make the thermal insulation of the building evaluate by an expert, to optimize consumption and access tax breaks.
With these precautions, it is possible to deal with summer by reducing costs and environmental impact, while improving housing comfort and enhancing your property.