ASSESSMENT OF RECOMMENDED SETPOINT TEMPERATURE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH AC SYSTEMS IN VIEW OF ENERGY IMPLICATION

Abstract

Climate change ?has always been a pressing issue around the world and countries have taken steps to ensure that climate change can be slowed down. In Singapore, the Government is not lacking behind and ensuring that actions are taken care off in every sector. Under The Singapore Green Plan 2030, plans have been mapped out for Singapore on the journey to going green (SG Green plan, n.d.). In these plans, it includes all Singaporeans too and everyone can take action starting from in their own homes. One such ways would be to lead an energy efficient lifestyle.

To support this movement, the Government created Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). These schemes were created to ensure that the electrical products have a minimum energy performance standard to ensure efficiency. In addition, the MELS helps to educate Singaporeans on the levels of energy efficiency and the cost-savings principle. the energy efficient Singapore portal to educate Singaporean on the Green Plan and energy-saving tips. Other than the tips on purchasing energy-efficient appliances, NEA also provides tips on energy saving practices at home, including those for air-conditioner, refrigerator, and water heater. The air-conditioner would be the most vital as uses almost a quarter of a household’s total electricity consumption (Energy Efficient Singapore, n.d.; Muruganathan, 2020, NEA, 2018). One of the recommendations would be to set the air-conditioning setpoint temperature to 25℃, as it brings thermal comfort to people and is not too energy consuming.

Hence, this dissertation aims to study the possibilities of revising the recommended air-conditioning temperature setpoint in residential apartments while maintaining comfortable levels of thermal comfort for the occupants. Experiments on the energy consumption and thermal conditions of different temperature setpoints were conducted and surveys on their air-conditioning usage and awareness were conducted. Research findings concluded the reduction in energy consumption as the temperature setpoint increases. In addition, survey findings concluded that 25℃ or 26℃ brought about acceptable levels of thermal comfort and most people are unaware of the recommended air-conditioning setpoint temperature. Therefore, this dissertation recommends a 1℃ increase in the recommended setpoint temperature and increasing the awareness of energy saving tips for it.