Reply #2: A similar problem exists in the U.S. with air conditioners. Most ACs

[whistle]

...produced prior to 2000 are low energy efficient and thus collectively represent a waste of power. Those units produced prior to 1990 are even more inefficient. Many also use the older freon based refrigerants which are harmful to the ozone. The question is how can Americans be motivated to trade up to the more efficient green units? Living in central Florida this is an issue especially during the peak hot weather from mid-May to the end of September.

In January of this year I replaced my 16 year old central AC unit with a high efficiency unit 17 SEER heat pump system. I also added higher R30 insulation to the attic and sealed up obvious air leaks. The results have been dramatic. I have been able to maintain comfortable interior temperatures while at the same time reducing my electrical use by 50% to 60% compared to prior years. At this level, I'll be able to pay back my investment over the next 6 to 7 years on reduced electrical costs alone. However, as the cost of electricity increases (it went up 12% this year alone) the pay-back will be even quicker. If every home-owner, apartment complex, business and office building with 10 year old or older equipment in the hot belt zone of the country were to up-grade to high efficiency AC units, there could be a dramatic impact on lowering overall power consumption.