Air-conditioning ‘not wasteful'

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33775, 22 February 1975, Page 16

Air-conditioning ‘not wasteful '

Air-conditioning is not a wasteful use of electricity: many air-conditioning units are very efficient, and the advantages are considerable, according to an article in “Live Lines," the journal of the electrical supply authorities.

Air-conditioning power loads in the United States

have embarrased some electrical authorities, but New Zealand, with a more moderate climate, will never be in such a position, the article says. Overseas study in a Government department showed that air-conditioning brought reduced absenteeism and 9.5 per cent more production, the article says. Clothes stayed cleaner, em[ployees were more energetic, [women spent less time attending to their hair and make-up, and the staff were ;more settled. Air-conditioning is more than just temperature control, the article says: the air is also kept moving, its humidity is controlled, and it is cleaned. Air-conditioning units can also give very economical heating in the winter, the article says.