Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Consumers have been encouraged to consider several critical factors, such as energy efficiency, when buying domestic refrigerators and air conditioners.
The call was made by the project manager of the National Ozone Unit within the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr George Chaumba, at a workshop in Kadoma aimed at promoting energy-efficient appliances.
Mr Chaumba highlighted the financial implications of high energy consumption by household appliances, which not only affect individual electricity bills but also strain the national power grid.
“We have things to consider when buying a refrigerator or an air-conditioner to avoid losing money through repairs or high electricity consumption,” he said.
Mr Chaumba emphasised the importance of checking the energy efficiency label, typically located on the door of refrigerators and the indoor unit of air conditioners.
Consumers were urged to look for a quality inspection sticker on the back of the appliances they intend to buy.
In addition, the size of the refrigerator must match the capacity utilisation of the appliance and recommended refrigerant types, stating R600a for fridges and R32/290 for air conditioners.
Some of the advantages of buying energy-efficient appliances include lower electricity bills due to reduced power consumption, thereby leading to significant savings.
He explained that using less energy helps lower carbon footprints, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Moreover, energy-efficient appliances tend to have longer lifespans due to reduced wear and tear, and they often offer better cooling and faster temperature control.
These appliances are designed with safety features that minimise the risks of electrical shocks and fires, while requiring less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts.
Further, energy-efficient air conditioners frequently come with advanced air filtration systems that promote better indoor air quality and overall health.
Mr Chaumba also stressed the importance of the Montreal Protocol, adopted on September 16, 1987, which aims to protect human health and the environment by phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change.
He explained the serious health effects of ozone layer depletion, such as skin cancer, eye cataracts and immune system suppression, along with its impact on agriculture, including lower crop yields due to alterations in photosynthesis.
The energy challenges in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region poses significant challenges, and Zimbabwe is no exception.
Consumer Protection Commission public relations officer Ms Felistas Makombe discussed Statutory Instrument (SI) 2023-049, which regulates the use of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. She urged consumers to engage qualified technicians for repairs and to buy appliances from certified companies while advising against buying cheap goods, as many end up costing more in repairs and make it difficult to find qualified technicians.
A participant from Bulawayo, Ms Stella Mukanga, shared her experience of losing money to fraudulent technicians while trying to repair her electrical goods, underscoring the need for consumer awareness and caution in making purchasing decisions.
The Government has signed various climate change management agreements aimed at promoting energy savings, and research indicates that domestic refrigerators and air conditioners are major energy consumers in households, highlighting the need for consumer education.
The workshop attracted a diverse audience, including journalists, representatives from the Consumer Protection Unit, electrical goods shop owners, technicians and consumers from all provinces.
The ministry’s efforts aim to empower consumers with knowledge, ensuring they make informed choices when purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
Peter Tanyanyiwa