A professional air conditioner clean and sanitise appears to be a more cost-effective and beneficial option compared to participating in the PeakSmart program.
PeakSmart Vs. Premium AirCon Clean
PeakSmart Program:
1. Requires purchasing a new air conditioner and installation costs Approximately $2,900.00
2. Offers a $200 rebate for units under 10kW
3. Allows Energex to limit cooling capacity during peak demand
4. May result in discomfort during the hottest periods
Professional Air Conditioner Cleaning:
1. Cost - a fraction of the price of a new system
2. Reduces energy costs by up to 20-22%
3. Improves overall efficiency and performance
4. Extends the lifespan of the existing unit
5. Maintains full user control, even during peak demand periods
6. Improves indoor air quality
The professional cleaning option offers several advantages:
1. Lower upfront cost
2. Immediate energy savings without sacrificing comfort
3. No loss of control during peak demand periods
4. Health benefits from improved air quality
5. Potential for longer-term savings through improved efficiency and extended unit lifespan
Given these factors, a professional air conditioner clean appears to be a more cost-effective and user-friendly option. It provides energy savings and improved performance without the drawbacks of external control during peak demand periods. This approach allows consumers to retain full control of their cooling while still contributing to energy efficiency goals.
The downside of the PeakSmart program is that Energex can remotely reduce the cooling capacity of air conditioners during high demand periods, which can be particularly inconvenient when temperatures are high. Here are the key points regarding this issue:
1. Remote Control: Energex has the capability to remotely turn down air conditioners that are part of the PeakSmart program. This means that during peak demand events, air conditioning units can be limited to operate at 50% capacity, which affects their cooling ability[3][4].
2. Timing of Reductions: These reductions typically occur during extremely hot weather when demand for electricity is at its highest. For instance, there have been instances where nearly 170,000 air conditioners were affected during peak times, such as in the mid-30s Celsius[3][4].
3. User Experience: While some users report not noticing a significant difference in comfort during these events, others express concerns about the discomfort caused by reduced cooling when it is needed most. Installers have noted that customers may not be fully aware of when their air conditioners are being controlled[3][4].
4. Frequency of Events: The frequency of these control events has varied, with reports indicating that there were six significant events in a recent period, which some users find concerning given that these typically occur on the hottest days of the year[3][4].
5. Trade-offs: Participants in the program receive incentives, such as cash rebates, in exchange for allowing Energex to control their air conditioning units. However, this trade-off raises questions about comfort and convenience during peak demand times[3][4].
In summary, while the PeakSmart program aims to manage electricity demand and prevent grid overload, the downside is that it can lead to reduced cooling capacity during high demand periods, potentially impacting comfort when air conditioning is most needed.
If you want to save thousands and maintain full control of your air conditioning system (especially during hot summer months) call our team today 1800 130 168.
Citations:
[1] https://www.energex.com.au/manage-your-energy/cashback-rewards-program/peaksmart-air-conditioning/t-and-cs/peakSmart-air-conditioning-terms-and-conditions
[2] https://www.energex.com.au/manage-your-energy/cashback-rewards-program/peaksmart-air-conditioning/t-and-cs/peaksmart-industry-incentive-program-terms-and-conditions
[3] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-31/energex-ergon-peaksmart-air-con-cuts-during-hot-weather/103385474
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/queensland/comments/1aff574/energex_remotely_cuts_power_to_170000_air/
[5] https://www.energex.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/1085005/2023-24-Demand-Management-Plan.pdf
[6] https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/home-modifications-energy-savings/your-home
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/19cpd7c/energex_just_took_control_of_my_airconditioning/
[8] https://www.energex.com.au/manage-your-energy/cashback-rewards-program/peaksmart-air-conditioning