Should you get a DRED enabled air conditioner?

The temperature’s rising, and if you don’t have a decent air conditioning system, you run the risk of tempers doing the same. If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, you might have noticed the words ‘DRED enabled’ cropping up, particularly if you live in certain States.

In this blog post we look at what DRED air con is, as well as where, why and how it’s used, and whether it’s a feature you need to look out for in 2024.

What is a DRED air conditioner?

So, what does DRED mean? DRED stands for Demand Response Enabling Device. And what does that mean in relation to split system reverse cycle air conditioners? It means that the amount of power being used to run the air con can be reduced by the energy provider during peak demand periods - think hot days or evenings when people are at home and cranking the air con.

This doesn’t mean that your air con will just cut out when the weather gets too hot though: the reduction in power supply is designed to be small enough to not make a noticeable difference to the unit’s cooling capacities.

Who controls it?

DRED capabilities are managed remotely by the power provider, often in collaboration with the relevant State or Territory government. These capabilities allow the power companies to make adjustments to the energy consumption during peak load times in order to achieve overall grid stability and efficiency.

How do DRED air cons reduce electricity use?

There are two key ways in which DRED can reduce an air conditioner’s power consumption:

  • Restricting rated capacity: This involves limiting the rated capacity of the air conditioning system. For example, a 7.1kW reverse cycle split system inverter air conditioner could be temporarily adjusted to a maximum of 5.3kW during peak demand periods. This method is effective for inverter systems or multistage systems but doesn't apply to fixed-speed compressors.

    The inverter controls the speed of the compressor motor, which affects the cooling capacity. If the inverter capacity is reduced by 25%, it means the compressor will operate at a lower speed, resulting in a decreased cooling capacity. The air conditioner will still work to achieve the set temperature, but it may take a little longer to cool the space to the desired temperature.

  • Adjusting the thermostat: When a DRED system is activated, it may temporarily modify the thermostat setting that the user has programmed. For example, if you had initially set the cooling temperature to a comfortable 22°C, the DRED system might raise it to a slightly higher temperature, such as 25°C.

    It's important to note that these adjustments are temporary. While you might experience a brief period of slightly warmer indoor temperatures during these adjustments, the overall impact is carefully managed to minimise discomfort while stabilising power supply.

Where are DRED split system air conditioners used?

You can buy and use DRED enabled air con units across Australia, but there are currently only a couple of States in which the energy-limiting component might be used. In South Australia, any new split system air con units sold must be DRED enabled. In Queensland this tech is not mandatory in air cons, but it has been eligible for rebates, and many retailers in the Sunshine State focus on selling DRED-enabled systems.

What happens if you have DRED enabled air con but don’t live in SA or QLD?

Because DRED’s energy-lowering capabilities are activated according to regional energy initiatives, if you have one of these air conditioners but don't live in South Australia or Queensland, the DRED functionality simply won’t be used. There’s no problem with having the device, and it does have the advantage of being DRED-ready if your State or Territory government implements such a program in the future.

Do DRED-enabled air cons cost more than regular ones to buy?

Like regular air conditioners, the cost of DRED air con systems varies according to brand, size, model and specific features.

In general, appliances with advanced technologies are priced higher than their traditional counterparts, but when it comes to DRED air cons, this difference isn’t particularly noticeable. In fact, many of the lowest priced split system air conditioners that Appliances Online sells are DRED enabled.

It's also worth considering the potential long-term savings and benefits that may come with a DRED-enabled air conditioner, such as reduced energy consumption during peak periods and potential participation in utility incentive programs. If you’re buying a new split system air con, weigh up the cost of the appliance alongside its energy efficiency, features, and any potential economic or environmental benefits over its lifespan.

Are DRED air conditioners more energy efficient?

The DRED component of the air con is not designed to make the appliance more energy-efficient in the traditional sense. By reducing the amount of power used during peak demand periods, without significantly impacting comfort, however, it can reduce your energy costs.

Having said this, manufacturers of DRED enabled units may well also design their air conditioners to be more energy-efficient. The energy rating of air conditioners works slighlty differently than it does for other major appliances: split system air con units have an Energy Star Rating for both their Cooling Average and their Heating Average.

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Are there any other types of DRED enabled appliances, apart from air con?

No, currently air conditioners are the only domestic appliances enabled with DRED. Theoretically, though, a variety of devices could be equipped with demand response capabilities in the future, depending on technological feasibility and regulations.

Some appliances that might be considered for DRED technology in the future include:
  • Electric water heaters: Similar to air conditioners, electric water heaters could potentially have features that allow for temporary adjustments in heating cycles during peak demand periods.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) chargers: As electric vehicles become more common, so do at-home car charging ports. If these became so prevalent as to place significant demands on the grid, DRED capabilities could enable power suppliers to remotely manage this demand.
  • Smart thermostats: While not exactly appliances in their own right, smart thermostats already play a role in managing home heating and cooling. Enhanced capabilities could potentially be developed for these devices to participate in demand response programs.

Ready for DRED?

DRED-enabled air conditioners offer a practical solution for power companies to manage energy consumption during peak demand periods without compromising on comfort. For consumers, this may equate to lower energy use, which can help to take the sting out of utility bills.

Appliances Online sells a range of DRED enabled air conditioners from leading brands in the field, including Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Kelvinator, Rinnai and Panasonic. For more pointers on choosing the right air conditioner for your home, including tips on selecting the appropriate size for the space that needs heating and cooling, check out our Air Conditioner Buying Guide.

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