Key points
- SASO 2663 sets minimum energy performance and labelling for low-capacity window and split air conditioners.
- The 2021 edition moved from EER to SEER (seasonal efficiency), mandatory in local markets from 1 July 2022.
- The standard also tests at T3 hot-climate conditions: 46°C at the outdoor unit.
- US Department of Energy: regularly replacing or cleaning filters can lower AC energy use by 5–15%.
In summer, air conditioning is the biggest part of the electricity bill. Choosing the right AC and maintaining it is one of the fastest ways to cut consumption.
1) The Saudi standard SASO 2663
SASO 2663 sets minimum energy performance, labelling and testing requirements for low-capacity window and split air conditioners1. Its key points:
- Move to SEER: the 2021 edition moved from the energy efficiency ratio EER to the seasonal energy efficiency ratio SEER, which reflects performance over the season1.
- Dates: mandatory for local manufacturers and at customs from 1 April 2022, and in markets and warehouses from 1 July 20221.
- Extreme-heat conditions: the minimum EER in the 2018 edition, unchanged in the 2021 edition, is set at two conditions: T1 (indoor 27°C, outdoor 35°C) and T3 for hot climates (indoor 29°C, outdoor 46°C)1.
2) AC types in brief
| Type | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Window | A single room. | Simple installation; noisier inside the room. |
| Wall split | A room or living area. | Quieter inside; needs refrigerant piping and condensate drainage. |
| Ducted / central | Several rooms or the whole house. | Needs designed, insulated ductwork and ceiling space. |
Capacity (tons or BTU) depends on area, insulation, windows, sun orientation and occupancy. Ask a specialist for a load calculation rather than a "one ton per so many square metres" rule.
3) Refrigerants: what is changing?
As part of the global move to cut high-warming HFCs, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued rules under the AIM Act phasing down their production and consumption and restricting higher-warming HFCs in new refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment2.
The EPA explains that HFC-32 (R-32) and several new blends are classified A2L under ASHRAE Standard 34: low toxicity but lower flammability rather than non-flammable. HFC-32's global warming potential is 675, compared with about 2,090 for R-410A, which was common3.
These are US regulations, cited to show the global direction of the industry. When buying or servicing an AC, make sure the technician uses the refrigerant on the unit's nameplate, with tools and procedures suitable for A2L refrigerants.
4) Maintenance that saves electricity
The US Department of Energy stated that regularly replacing or cleaning filters can lower an AC's energy consumption by 5% to 15%, because a clogged filter restricts airflow and lowers the unit's efficiency4.
- Check the filter monthly in heavy-use season and clean or replace it as needed.
- Clean the indoor and outdoor coils periodically (deep cleaning by a technician).
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of obstructions and dust so it can reject heat.
- Make sure the condensate drain isn't blocked. See AC faults.
- Periodic service by a technician: refrigerant, leaks and electrical connections.
5) The AC path: from choice to maintenance
| Step | What matters | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Split, central, ducted or evaporative depending on space and climate | Choosing a type, Evaporative |
| Size | Initial estimate ≠ final design: an oversized unit short-cycles and controls temperature and humidity poorly5; the final size comes from a cooling load calculation | Choosing a type |
| Efficiency | The efficiency label for the exact model (Section 1) | This article |
| Distribution | Duct losses in unconditioned spaces can exceed 30%5 | Choosing a type |
| Filters | Easy access and regular cleaning | Indoor air |
| Condensate | A visible, cleanable route away from foundations | Water around the building |
| Maintenance | A regular schedule and a trained technician | Maintenance plan, Faults |
6) More saving tips
- Thermal insulation of the roof, walls and windows reduces the load on the AC. See thermal insulation and windows.
- Insulate ducts running through hot roof spaces.
- Close doors and windows in air-conditioned rooms and reduce air leakage.
Sources
The number next to a statement points to its source in this list. Sources back the general information; anything marked “practical advice” is editorial experience, not a quoted source. Anything that affects safety, structural design or electrical installations needs a licensed professional, and in Saudi Arabia the binding reference is the Saudi Building Code.
- 1Introducing the new requirements and enforcement timeline of SASO 2663:2021 Standard for Air Conditioners (SASO workshop presentation) — Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) — workshop presentation, 2021-08-25
- 2Fact Sheet — October 2023 Final Rule: Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons, Restrictions on the Use of Certain HFCs under Subsection (i) of the AIM Act — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — fact sheet, 2023-10
- 3Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: SNAP Listing of Substitutes (Rule 25) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- 4Home Cooling 101 — Energy Saver infographic — U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) — infographic
- 5Ductless (Mini-Split) Heat Pumps (Building America Solution Center) — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory / U.S. DOE