Qatar is the third GCC state after Saudi Arabia and the UAE using energy-saving air conditioners, said Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, Assistant Undersecretary for Standards and Specifications at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
A total of 39,554 energy-saving ACs (called “star ACs”) have entered the market since June, including window and split units. They include about 4,448 three-star, 1,658 four-star, 25,604 five-star and 6,642 six-star ACs, among others. Qatar banned import and sale of conventional ACs effective from July 1.
The General Authority of Specification and Standardisation has registered eight models of eight-star units, with an energy efficiency rate of 12.5 BTU/hr, which consumes 51 percent less energy and 29 models of seven-star (silver card) ACs, with energy efficiency rate of 11.5 BTU/hr (EER 11.5 BTU/hr).In October, the Authority will introduce eight-star (gold) and seven-star (silver) ACs.
Dealers are not obliged to import and sell them, but the Authority will give appreciation certificates to companies bringing in such units as an encouragement, said Al Kuwari.
The Authority will conduct inspection campaigns in collaboration with other departments concerned, and take samples from imported ACs for laboratories to check their specifications.
The Peninsula
17 August
