Replacement of inefficient air conditioners begins

Energy and Water Ministry replaces 10,000 Israeli air conditioners, with the aim of saving 17 m. kilowatt-hours per year.

By SHARON UDASIN
Air conditioner 370 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Air conditioner 370
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Energy and Water Ministry launched a program on Sunday to replace 10,000 Israeli air conditioners, aiming to provide energy savings of 17 million kilowatt-hours per year.
Those who receive social security and own air conditioners that were purchased 10 years ago or more are eligible to replace their inefficient machines with brand new units at a huge price reduction, according to the project.
According to the ministry – which has invested approximately NIS 10 million in the project – it will be contributing about NIS 1,000 toward each new air conditioner, about 40 percent of the total cost of the machine. The ministry will not only be subsidizing the cost of the units themselves, but also all of the additional distribution costs – such as transporting and installing the new machines, as well as dismantling and scrapping the old ones.
“This is a social step, which incorporates market and energy needs,” said Energy and Water Minister Uzi Landau in a statement released by his office.
The air conditioner swap is part of the overall ministry program emphasizing energy efficiency and reducing power consumption – which has already included refrigerator replacements, subsidized fluorescent light bulb sales and public outreach television commercials.
Each replacement will conserve about 1,700 kilowatt-hours per year, and every household with one of the trade-ins will save about NIS 800-850 per year, according to ministry estimates.
Those who meet the conditions should contact the Tornado Consumer Goods call center to coordinate a meeting to test eligibility. Each new machine will come with a three-year warranty, the ministry said.