Standard for Energy Efficiency Ratio and Labeling Requirements

PNS 396 HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

  1. What is PNS 396?

    This is the Philippine National Standard (PNS) which specifies the energy efficiency standard and labeling requirements for window type room air conditioners (RAC) sold in the country. PNS 396 serves as the legal basis for the energy labeling of RACs.

    PNS was formulated and developed by the Technical Committee on Household Appliances (TC-30) composed of representatives from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Kilusang Mamimili ng Pilipinas, professional organizations, academe, the Bureau of Product Standards, the Department of Energy and other concerned government agencies.

  2. What is meant by Energy Efficiency Standards?

    It is a performance standard which prescribes a minimum level of Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER for RAC. The government is at present implementing two standards for RACs.

    RACs with cooling capacity below 12,000 kilojoules per hour (kj/h) must meet the minimum EER standard of 8.3. Units with cooling capacity of 12,000 kj/hr. and above must meet the minimum standard of 7.8. These sets of standards are applicable until 31 December 1997 and 31 December 1998, respectively.

    These standards are subject to periodic review of the Technical Committee on Household Appliances.

  3. What are being required by PNS 396?

    a) PNS 396 requires all manufacturers, assemblers and importers of RACs to comply with above-mentioned energy efficiency standards.

    b) It also requires the display of an energy label that will allow the buying public to compare room air conditioners based on energy efficiency, among others.

  4. What is the timetable for the implementation of PNS 396?

    PNS 396 became mandatory effective 01 June 1994.

  5. How will you know the energy efficiency ratio of the unit that you want to buy?

    The EER rating of the air conditioner is shown on the energy label which is attached to the front grill of the air conditioning unit.

  6. Who will enforce the energy efficiency standard?

    The Regional and Provincial Offices of the Department of Trade and Industry together with the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) will enforce the standards for RACs sold in the country covering both locally manufactured and imported brands.

    The authorized representatives of DTI and BPS shall get a sample of RAC from the factories, warehouses, or from the market to ascertain proper labeling or conformance of the units to the minimum EER standards. With regard to testing, BPS has designated the Fuels and Appliance Testing Laboratory of the Department of Energy as the sole authority for verifying claimed ratings on the energy label such as cooling capacity, power consumption, and EER.

    Consumers should immediately report to the BPS or to the nearest DTI office noncompliance to PNS 396 so that the government can take appropriate action.

    For further information, you may contact the following:

    a) Concerning the implementation of the Philippine National Standard on Energy Efficiency Ratio and Labeling Requirements for Room Air conditioners:

    Department of Trade and Industry
    Bureau of Product Standards
    Chief, Product Certification
    361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
    Makati City, Philippines
    Tel. Nos. : 890-4859; 890-4852
    Fax No. : 890- 4920
    or
    Visit the nearest DTI Regional or Provincial Office

    b) Concerning the test procedure used in the performance testing of room air conditioners and any clarifications on the energy label.

    Department of Energy
    Chief, Fuels and Appliance Testing Laboratory
    Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
    Tel. Nos. : (02) 927-7137; 929-5443; 927-7201
    Fax No. : (02) 929-5474

    The Director
    DOE Visayas Field Office
    11th Floor, Metrobank Plaza
    Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City, Philippines
    Tel. Nos. : (032) 253-7222; 253-2150

    The Director
    DOE Mindanao Field Office
    5th Floor, Metrobank Plaza
    R. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City, Philippines
    Tel. Nos. : (082) 224-0741; 224-0740

    c) Concerning the brands and models of room air conditioners available in the market and selection of proper size of room air conditioner.

    The President
    Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)
    3rd Floor, Union Ajinomoto Bldg.
    Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue
    Makati City, Philippines
    Tel. Nos : (02) 895-6081
    Fax. No. : (02) 890-6663  

ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS ON THE USE OF ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS

  • Select the proper size (cooling capacity) of your room air conditioner.
  • Install your air conditioner in the coolest side of the room (usually the northern side) and at the highest accessible place.
  • Don't set the thermostat at a colder setting than normal and do not overcool the room.
  • Provide curtains or blinds for the windows.
  • Close all windows and doors or any openings.
  • Avoid placing any electrical appliances that will generate heat in the room.
  • Keep the aircon filter, condenser, evaporator, and other parts clean (Clean at least once a month).
  • Turn off the air conditioner when not needed.