Characteristics of an Eco-Friendly Air Conditioning Unit
Almost everyone will rely on air conditioning for temperature control when it is too hot for them. However, many people will be surprised to learn the danger posed to the environment by air conditioning.
Currently, close to 10 billion worth of gasoline is consumed annually to sustain vehicular air conditioning performance. Consumption of gasoline is expected to rise to 10 times the current consumption by the year 2050 especially in areas with higher temperatures, significantly impacting the fight to manage climate change globally.
Impact on the Environment
Release of coal fumes and other products to the environment is the significant impact of using many air conditioning both at home and at work. A majority of air conditioners rely on fossil fuels to generate the energy required to regulate room temperatures. Much energy is lost in the process of producing and distributing electric power to destinations. Plenty of energy is required in cool hot temperatures than to heat cold temperatures in the room. We are bound to spend more on energy bills in conditioning room temperatures during hot summers than cold winters.
The cost of running air conditioning should not deter us from seeking comfort during sweaty days if we invest in economic and energy-efficient air conditioners.
Stan Cox, in his book “Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World,” acknowledges that environmental damages associates with air pollution are not restricted to emissions from greenhouse gases. Instead, other gases depleting the ozone layer are often emitted by our air conditioners in an attempt to modify spaces and live in the places we want.
Stan Cox calls for wise and sustainable air conditioning technological measures.
It has been estimated by leading researchers of the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in those fluids that are used in air conditioning will have directly led to an increase in global warming by 14-27% of another warming as a result of Carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2050.
Tips to Turn Your Air Conditioning Eco-Friendly
Manufacturers are continually seeking new, effective refrigerants to replace the old, ozone-depleting refrigerants and observe new government policy on energy management in the country.
There are also many technological innovations to convert AC units to more energy-friendly appliances. Consumers should be advised to continually look out for the new and upcoming AC models to assist the consumers in making worthy investments in their homes.
An illustration would be the “ZW series” made by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. This is a household air conditioner model designed to switch to energy-conservation mode when there are no occupants in the house.
Other methods of turning your air conditioners to environmentally-friendly appliances may include the following:
Choose the Right Size of AC based on the Size of the House.
If you are using an AC that is too smalls to meet the needs of the house, well, the AC will keep running for as long as it has been turned on (meaning high energy bills for no reason), but the efficiency always is below expected standards.
Also, a small unit might be unable to steady the house’s temperatures relative to those outside of the house.
Using Compressors with Two-Stages
The compressor in the air conditioners is the primary energy source because they have to work extra to remove heated vapors for the refrigerant to go back to the cooled state.
A two-stage compressor automatically changes to work more during hot days and works less during the cold days which saves on energy consumption.
Customizing Matched Systems
The home owner can be advised to customize all parts of the AC unit from the thermostat to the internal coils so as to give air conditioning services that are tailored to the needs of specific rooms of the house.
Typically, depending on the size and architectural design of the house some areas require more air conditioning than others
Using Geothermal Heat Pumps
These pumps are can be more efficient in temperature control than conventional air conditioner by up to 40% margin of efficiency. By operation, geothermal heat pumps sink the heat in the room into the earth which is cold faster than the interior of the house.
Geothermal heat pumps hasten the transfer of heat from the hotter in the house to the cooler places in the soil.
The installation cost of geothermal heat pumps may be high but the overall cost saving during the subsistence of the pumps economic life is very significant to the home owner.
Automatic Thermostats
An automatic thermostat will turn off when the house is empty of occupants and automatically turn on when the home occupants return.
Using a programmable thermostat is an inexpensive method to regulate the use of air conditions and turning them consumers of green energy appliances.
Systematic Maintenance Program
Professionals skilled in the work and repair of HVAC should inspect and repair faulty parts of the HVAC appliances at least once per year.
Maintenance practices should check on the pressure of the refrigerant fluid, the efficiency of air flow in the HVAC appliance and also check of air and fluid leaks within the unit.
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