What’s The Source of Your High Electricity Bill?

The SEER label on appliances helps lower the bill for its efficient energy-consumption requirements met by LG air solutions in the Kingdom

Before the introduction of international energy-standard ratings and mandates, most home appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers used to be electricity-hungry and highly inefficient. Even today, some appliances remain more energy-consuming than others. The choice of what is bought and used is growing more important as people try to navigate the increased awareness around energy saving. A choice of international importance, the Saudi government has also kickstarted various local efforts and initiatives to help consumers learn and implement energy saving tactics.

In addition to the shift to a greener perspective, consumers are also looking for a more economic spend on their electricity and energy consumption. Especially in the context of Saudi Arabia, where cooling accounts for most of the electricity consumption in buildings at 65%[1], it isn’t a secret that AC units contribute most to electricity bills. This is where that consumer choice makes a difference: more energy-efficient units and appliances would account to less energy and consequently cost spend, and ones that use more electricity increase the bill.

Recently, The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) introduced a new requirement for Air Conditioners Standard SASO-2663, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to further reduce the consumption of air conditioning in the Kingdom. The new metric, being a shift from the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) metric, holds a more accurate approach in measuring the efficiency of ACs as it takes into consideration the country’s varying outdoor temperature. The requirement was also introduced in line with the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center’s (SEEC) objective to preserve KSA’s natural resources and enhance the economic and social welfare of the Saudi population. From 2007 to 2018, SEEC has succeeded in increasing the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) for split ACs by a staggering 57%[2].

With more and more consumers looking to cut on their energy and costs, SEER-labeled ACs are in demand with LG air conditioners being one of the brands of air solutions in the Saudi market that are SEER standard certified and SEER-branded LG air conditioners being currently widely available throughout the Kingdom. Additionally, the SEER label informs consumers of the energy spend of each device. LG has been meeting this level of requirement even before it got mandated in the market, introducing SASO compliant units as early as 2015.

“It prides LG to be always ready with a product line that satisfies the Saudi government's eco-friendly policy as well as both customer needs and expectations. Our air solutions have long been designed to provide consumers with fresher, cleaner air at a more energy-efficient level – readily meeting the Saudi market demand as it continues to stagger. Having already met the requirements that are being mandated shows our continued effort to providing smart air solutions that cater to a customer base who care about their energy consumption,” stated Mr. Ken Jeong, LG Electronics General Manager.

Consumers who are looking to decrease their energy consumption should consider SEER-labeled air-cooling units. In addition to meeting the new regulations, LG ACs are also designed with innovative and intelligent features that help household residents shrink their energy use effortlessly. LG ThinQ, for example, allows for remote monitoring and control features that help reduce unnecessary electricity use. LG’s Dual Inverter Compressor™ also leads as one of the ACs’ energy-saving features. The compressor technology is designed to constantly adjust its speed as opposed to typical compressors which constantly turn on and off to maintain the desired temperature levels. Not only does the minimal fluctuation give an extra cooling comfort, but it also results in a great discrepancy in energy consumption.

By referring to the energy efficiency label, consumers can identify ways to cut on their consumption and electricity bill:

• Make sure that your air conditioner ranks in the green levels, between (A) and (B)

• Check the annual energy consumption on the card: the less it is, the more you save

• Check the SEER on the card: the higher the number, the lower the consumption

LG has always led in taking the measurements that ensure their products, home appliances, and AC units guarantee a more energy-efficient operation and are consistent with the Saudi government regulations. Continuing to champion their green product strategy which promotes protecting the environment as well as promoting more economical consumption, LG was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index which ranks leading companies in terms of reducing the environmental impact of products. LG has also has been named the 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, affirming the brand’s long-standing commitment to developing innovative products that deliver energy savings to help save money and the planet at no cost to performance or style.