Important questions and answers regarding the directive

• In summary, what are the implications of the new "Lot 10 ErP directive" being applied to residential air-conditioners below 12Kw?

  This Directive will introduce the following new aspects:

  • A different method for calculating energy efficiency, introducing the concept of seasonal efficiency.
  • A different energetic classification, based on classes up to A+++.
  • Different energy labelling.
  • The obligation for producers to comply with a minimum energy efficiency limit together with a maximum value of sound power with the placing on the market of new products.

• Is there is a correlation between the existing and the new energy classifications?

  There is no correlation whatsoever as the method of calculation is entirely different.

  In fact, an air-conditioning system that today is classified with class A could move into a significantly lower class on the basis of the criteria of the new ErP directive.

• Does the ErP Directive also apply to the products stored in the warehouses of manufacturers and retailers?

  No, the new features being introduced by the ErP Directive only apply to those products "placed on the market" from 1/1/2013, i.e. imported or produced in the EU after that date.

  All the products in stock are not affected by the directive and can be sold freely without time limitation.

• Is the new ErP directive valid in all EU Member States or are there differences?

  The implementation directive of the ErP Directive for domestic use air- conditioners (Lot 10) will come into force from 1 January 2013 and will be applied in the same manner in all EU Member States without national transition periods.

• What are the benefits of the new ErP Directive for specialists and users?

  The new criterion for measuring energy efficiency is much more credible than the current system, with the advantage of transparency for the final consumer.

  The new classification further clarifies the distinctions between a product of high efficiency and a product which is less efficient.

  Finally, the minimum limit of efficiency imposed will raise the average level of energy efficiency thus resulting in a decrease in the consumption of electricity of the community.

• Who will benefit from the new ErP directive and who instead will be disadvantaged?

  Essentially, products with the new inverter technology will have an advantage in the field of air-conditioning systems.

  The ErP directive will ensure that the suppliers of units that are not efficient do not have access to the market.

• Will the new ErP directive record a significant increase in the efficiency of the new air-conditioning systems?

  Many Mitsubishi Electric air -conditioning systems have already significantly exceeded existing standards in terms of energy efficiency thanks to the use of our technology oriented to the future in the field of inverter systems.

  The difference in energy consumption between a product that is currently classified as belonging to the highest class and a product that belongs to the new highest class, i.e. to A+++, can be huge: The consumption of energy, and thus also the costs incurred for the energy by the user, can be up to 70% lower.

• What is the stance of a producer like Mitsubishi Electric in respecting the ErP Directive?

  It is part of the 7 guiding principles of Mitsubishi Electric, to adhere to the rules and to respect the environment: the ErP Directive gives Mitsubishi Electric the opportunity to be able to assert and demonstrate the cutting edge level of technology thanks to the use of "Key Technologies" such as inverter technology.

  A number of existing products had in fact already been designed to maximise seasonal efficiency, in fact anticipating the entry into force of the Directive.

  Almost all of the products that we will be presenting in 2013 will already be compliant with the most restrictive criteria that will follow in 2014.