Editorial: Efficiency is sought for air conditioning

Friday, Nov. 26, 1999 | 9:07 a.m.

Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson is advocating that the government adopt higher efficiency standards for new air conditioners. It is anticipated that the details could take a year to be finished, but Richardson said the goal will be to improve by up to 20 percent the efficiency of central air conditioning systems in homes.

Discussions between the government and the lighting industry led to the development of more efficient lighting standards last year, so Richardson is asking air conditioning system makers to work with the department and see if they can find common ground, too. While the largest maker, the Carrier Corp., has indicated it is willing to live with more efficient standards, other manufacturers might resist, according to the Associated Press.

It might seem odd talking about air conditioning now that temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley are dipping to near freezing at night, but this area can be buffeted with 100-plus degree temperatures throughout the summer, placing a huge demand on available power. A vigorous pursuit of higher efficiency standards is welcome.