Most People are Unaware Of the Energy Saving Potential of Air Conditioners, And Don’t Know How to Use the New Energy Labels

Emerson Climate Technologies announces results of a new survey and the 2007 Energy Efficiency Symposium leading up to China’s Energy Efficiency Week

Beijing ,May 28, 2006 — A new survey shows that consumers favor energy efficient air conditioners but are unaware of the energy saving potential offered by the latest technologies, and do not know about appliance energy labels or how to use them.  Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), conducted the consumer survey.   

A total of 1,000 (check this) consumers from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Chengdu, were interviewed for the survey.  It showed that when making purchase decisions, energy efficiency was the most important consideration.

Among consumers who already bought energy efficient air conditioners, the survey found that 85 percent were satisfied with the performance of their units.  Also, nearly all consumers said that they were willing to recommend energy efficient air conditioners to their family and friends.

According to, Wang Ruohong, Director of the China Energy Efficiency Label Management Center, the China National Institute of Standardization, “Since September 2005, all air conditioners have been displaying the new energy efficiency labels and meet the latest operating standards for energy use. While the labeling program has been a success, the effectiveness can only be measured by the level of understanding and adoption in the marketplace.

“Education and awareness are issues that we are focused on. Consumers need to be encouraged to buy energy efficient units through education on how to identify, purchase and use these products.  The government should play an important role in increasing the public’s awareness and knowledge of energy efficiency products.”

Mark Dunson, Vice President of Marketing, Emerson Climate Technologies Asia Pacific said, “Emerson Climate Technologies commissioned this survey so that we, the government and the industry could have a fuller understanding of the scope of the awareness issue and the willingness of consumers to accept higher efficiency systems.  We are committed to supporting improved energy efficiency in China and initiatives like the energy efficiency label which help make better use of natural resources and protect the environment. Through our technologies and industry support, we have taken a leading role in the energy issue worldwide and in many countries throughout Asia.”

To promote discussion of the energy issue within the industry, the China Energy Efficiency Label Management Center of the China National Institute of Standardization, with the support of Emerson Climate Technologies will hold the “2007 Energy Efficiency Symposium,” in Beijing on June 7, 2007.  Leading air conditioner manufacturers, industry experts, HVAC/R executives, and government leaders will come together to discuss high energy efficiency and the promotion of energy efficiency labels.

The recent survey also shows that a majority of interviewees support the country’s energy conservation policy and are willing to buy energy efficient air conditioners even if they cost more than other units.  But, most are not aware of the country’s measures to promote energy efficiency, and are unfamiliar with the five levels of energy efficiency for air conditioners. 

About Emerson Climate Technologies

Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson, is the world’s leading provider of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions for residential, industrial and commercial applications. The group combines best-in-class technology with proven engineering, design, distribution, educational and monitoring services to provide customized, integrated climate control solutions for customers worldwide. Emerson Climate Technologies’ innovative solutions, which include industry-leading brands such as Copeland Scroll™ and White-Rodgers, improve human comfort, safeguard food and protect the environment. For more information, visit www.emersonclimate.com or www.digitalscroll.com.cn.

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2006 were $20.1 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com (global) or www.Emerson.com.cn (China).