Differences in Energy Efficiency Among Grade 1 Air Conditioning Units

May 14, 2026, 05:36

Introduction

The Consumer Council has released a report showing that air conditioners with the highest energy rating can have very different levels of cooling efficiency.

Main Body

The Consumer Council and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) tested 13 models of 1.5-horsepower inverter air conditioners. This group included seven units that provide both heating and cooling, priced between HK$8,380 and HK$19,610, and six cooling-only units, priced between HK$4,890 and HK$7,880. The results showed that the Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) varied from 5.057 to 7.510. This means there is a 33 percent difference in efficiency, even though all these models are labeled as Grade 1. Because of these results, Chief Executive Alaina Shum emphasized that the EMSD needs to update its energy grading rules, which have not changed for over ten years. The Council asserted that the current standards must be improved so that consumers can make more accurate choices. Furthermore, the organization pointed out a problem with after-sales support, noting that about 50 percent of the tested models offer only a one-year warranty, with very few options to extend it. To help consumers, the Council recommends using annual energy consumption figures as an extra way to compare models. Additionally, they suggested that cleaning dust filters every two weeks and buying units that meet local safety standards are the best ways to save energy and ensure safety.

Conclusion

The report shows that top-rated units do not all perform the same and calls for updated government standards and better warranty options.

Learning

🚀 Moving from 'Simple' to 'Sophisticated'

At the A2 level, students often use basic verbs like say or think. To reach B2, you need Reporting Verbs that explain how or why someone is speaking.

Look at these three heavy-hitters from the text:

Emphasized $\rightarrow$ (Stronger than 'said')
- Text: "Alaina Shum emphasized that the EMSD needs to update..."
- B2 Logic: Use this when you want to show that a point is very important. It adds a layer of urgency.
Asserted $\rightarrow$ (Stronger than 'thought')
- Text: "The Council asserted that the current standards must be improved..."
- B2 Logic: This means stating something confidently as a fact. It shows authority.
Pointed out $\rightarrow$ (More precise than 'told')
- Text: "...the organization pointed out a problem with after-sales support..."
- B2 Logic: Use this to draw attention to a specific detail or a fact that people might have missed.

🛠️ The "Precision Upgrade" Guide

A2 Word (Basic)	B2 Word (Academic/Professional)	Context Shift
Say $\rightarrow$	Emphasize	From sharing info $\rightarrow$ stressing importance
Think $\rightarrow$	Assert	From an opinion $\rightarrow$ a confident claim
Tell $\rightarrow$	Point out	From general talking $\rightarrow$ identifying a specific issue

Pro Tip: When writing an essay or a report, replace 50% of your "says" with these verbs. It instantly changes the tone from a student's diary to a professional analysis.

Vocabulary Learning

efficiency (n.)

The ability to produce a desired result with minimal waste of time or resources.

Example:The efficiency of the new air conditioner is higher than the old model.

inverter (n.)

A device that converts one form of electrical energy to another, often used to control power flow in appliances.

Example:The inverter air conditioner uses a variable‑speed compressor to reduce energy consumption.

performance (n.)

How well a machine or system works, often measured by specific output metrics.

Example:The performance of the unit was measured by its cooling capacity.

standard (n.)

A level of quality or requirement that a product must meet.

Example:The product meets the national safety standard.

emphasis (n.)

Special importance or attention given to something.

Example:The report placed strong emphasis on energy savings.

update (v.)

To make changes to something so that it is current or improved.

Example:The company will update its policies next month.

grading (n.)

The act of assigning grades or categories to items based on criteria.

Example:The grading system classifies appliances by efficiency.

consumers (n.)

People who purchase or use goods and services.

Example:Consumers should compare prices before buying.

accurate (adj.)

Correct and precise; free from error.

Example:We need accurate data to make decisions.

choices (n.)

Options or alternatives available for selection.

Example:Customers have many choices when selecting a unit.

warranty (n.)

A guarantee that a product will function properly for a specified period.

Example:The warranty covers repairs for one year.

support (n.)

Assistance or help provided, especially after a sale.

Example:After‑sales support is essential for customer satisfaction.

annual (adj.)

Occurring once a year or relating to a yearly period.

Example:Annual energy consumption is a useful metric.

consumption (n.)

The amount of energy or resources used.

Example:Energy consumption increased during winter.

extra (adj.)

Additional or beyond what is usual or required.

Example:We recommend an extra filter for better air quality.