Daikin UK have released information on the recent changes to the Enhanced Capital Allowance qualification. These changes will result in 80% of the Air Conditioning products available in the market being taken from the list.
What is the ECA? The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme is a key part of the Government’s programme to manage climate change. It provides businesses with enhanced tax relief for investments in equipment that meets published energy-saving criteria.
The new changes have increased the benchmark for qualifying equipment.
Many air conditioning systems heat as well as cool and offer increased efficiencies compared to traditional heating products. The problem is, that due to these high efficiencies, the majority of the air conditioning systems on the market exceed the original benchmark figures and the scheme no longer promotes the “best in class”.
The benchmark figures are measured in heating and cooling modes.
To qualify the heating system needs to a have a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 3.7 or above. The COP is a measurement of power input to power output. An air conditioning system is generally powered by electricity, for every 1KW of power used, the air conditioner can provide more than 3.7KW of heat using heat pump technology. Therefore the COP is 3.7.
Cooling is measured in a similar way, using EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measured again on power input to cooling performance. To qualify the EER has to 3.3 or above.
How does this effect you? By not choosing the “best in class” you could be losing out on substantial tax incentives. Why is the Government promoting energy efficient equipment, to reduce CO2 output. The benefit to you is also a reduction in running cost, the less CO2 you emit, the less energy you use.
If you want advise on the best type of system for you please contact help@temperaturecontrol.co.uk
For further information on the Enhanced Capital Allowance – www.eca.gov.uk
For details of technical bulletin from Daikin UK please follow link
