This time, we focused on the three features of Daikin air conditioners, as explained by Gunpei Morinoue of the Air Conditioning Sales Headquarters, Business Strategy Department, at Daikin's showroom "Fuuha Tokyo." Now, we will ask about the secret behind Daikin air conditioners' energy efficiency.
---Many people are concerned about electricity bills as the heatwave continues and air conditioners are running day and night.
Daikin Ururu Sarara X achieves high energy efficiency, with many models exceeding 100% of the energy saving standard for fiscal year 2027 (excluding some capacity ranges). Energy efficiency is a direct and important factor in electricity costs, so we are making various efforts and innovations.
-- Please tell us how much electricity current Daikin air conditioners consume annually. I understand there's a significant difference between the top-of-the-line model and others.
Daikin provides a list of annual power consumption for each product lineup and capacity range, called "period power consumption," and has created a transparent sheet to help compare not only initial costs but also running costs.
For example, the top-of-the-line RX model has an annual power consumption of 1032 kWh.
Comparing the top-of-the-line RX model with the most affordable E model, the top-of-the-line RX model is about 25% cheaper.
Furthermore, by multiplying the period power consumption by the estimated electricity rate of 31 yen/kWh (tax included) (revised July 2022) (average of 10 power companies nationwide)*, you can calculate the estimated electricity bill.
Formula for calculating estimated annual electricity bill *According to our company's calculation formula
| E model | Annual power consumption 1390 kWh × Estimated electricity rate 31 yen/kWh = approx. 43,000 yen |
| RX model | Annual power consumption 1032 kWh × Estimated electricity rate 31 yen/kWh = approx. 32,000 yen |
→ The RX model saves about 11,000 yen annually!
---If it saves 10,000 yen a year, then over 10 years, it saves 100,000 yen. It might be better in the long run to buy a model with a high energy-saving achievement rate, even if the initial cost of the air conditioner itself is higher.---
Although we generally recommend replacement every 10 years, data from the Cabinet Office shows that the average service life is around 14 years. Calculating with the period power consumption of the current 12-tatami mat RX series and E series air conditioners, there is a difference of approximately 5,012 kWh over 14 years. While it's easy to focus on initial costs, it's important to calculate the total running cost, considering future electricity price hikes.
Formula for calculating estimated electricity bill for 14 years of use *According to our company's calculation formula
| E model | Annual electricity bill approx. 43,000 yen × 14 years of use = approx. 602,000 yen |
| RX model | Annual electricity bill approx. 32,000 yen × 14 years of use = approx. 448,000 yen |
→ The RX model saves approximately 154,000 yen over 14 years!
---Indeed, we must also consider future increases in electricity prices. From what you've said, it's clear that higher-end models with better energy efficiency are not only high-performing but also save electricity and are cost-effective.
First, the compressor consumes the most electricity in an air conditioner. Daikin's air conditioners are very energy-efficient even at low speeds, which is the biggest factor. (For details, please refer to the previous article).
Also, to reduce power consumption, it is important to increase heat exchange efficiency. In other words, if you can cool or heat most of the air with a small amount of electricity, it leads to energy saving. This is because increasing the heat exchange capacity allows more air to be cooled or heated at once. If you look inside, you can see that the number of rows and their size are quite different. The indoor units of higher-end models with higher energy efficiency are larger because they secure a suitable amount of heat exchanger.
Top: Cross-section of the indoor unit of the top-end Ururu Sarara X model
Bottom: Cross-section of the indoor unit of the standard model series
You can see that the top one is larger and has more and wider rows.
---I had the impression that more compact indoor units consumed less electricity, so it was surprising to learn that larger ones are more energy-efficient.
Humidity tends to be high in summer. If the air conditioner is on automatic operation, it will switch to dehumidification when it gets too humid, and about 60% of that time will be in dehumidification mode.*1 Simply put, dehumidification works by creating condensation, similar to how water droplets form on a cold plastic bottle, to remove moisture while sending cool air into the room. Normally, it just cools, but Daikin's system can control the amount of refrigerant flowing through it. This is called "linear control." Furthermore, the top-of-the-line RX, AX, and DX series feature Sarara Dehumidification (linear hybrid system)*2, which switches dehumidification methods according to the situation, achieving comfortable humidity control while maintaining the room temperature.
*1: Daikin survey analyzes the occurrence rate of each operating mode during automatic operation. Target models: RX/AX (39,273 units). Target period: April-September 2021. Condition: AI comfort automatic operation. *2: Excludes RX/AX series 9.0kW and DX series 8.0kW.
This "linear control" was achieved by Daikin adopting a "multi-stage electronic expansion valve" in household air conditioners for the first time in the industry.
For example, during the humid and hot rainy season, the entire unit is used to cool and dehumidify, but when the temperature and humidity are not high, only the front row is used. This allows the refrigerant to be controlled as needed, preventing unnecessary consumption and promoting energy saving.
The top-of-the-line RX (Ururu Sarara) model, equipped with this feature, is comfortable, energy-efficient, and strong in dehumidification, making it particularly recommended for this summer.
Multi-stage electronic expansion valve: Controls the compressor and dehumidification valve together.
It allows dehumidification operation without changing room temperature while suppressing power consumption.
---So the heat exchanger can be finely controlled. I never knew such technology was packed inside an air conditioner. Indeed, air conditioners are a long-term investment, so it's important to understand the technology and features before choosing one.---
Today we talked about the secrets of Daikin air conditioners' energy efficiency, but next time, we'll ask about how to use air conditioners effectively.
