Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Correspondent
CONSUMERS have been encouraged to consider energy efficiency, when buying appliances like domestic refrigerators and air conditioners.
The call was made by 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.
