Green air conditioning: what is eco-friendly AC?

Withtemperatures risingeach decade, it’s no surprise thedemand for ACis growing. But at what cost?

Green air conditioning options and other ways to make AC more eco-friendly could have a positive impact on our environment.

house in nature

Why isn’t AC eco-friendly?

Air conditioners use a lot of electricity to operate. Electricity production emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is considered a greenhouse gas. And, at high levels, can contribute to global warming.

Additionally, air conditioners use refrigerant. Refrigerant is a compound that removes heat from the air as it cycles through the AC. Used properly, it’s safe for the environment. But if it starts leaking or is prohibited, likeR22, refrigerant contaminates the atmosphere and causes a warming effect.

Is there green air conditioning?

Currently, 100% green air conditioning hasn’t been developed. But some manufacturers offer solutions that make AC more environmentally friendly.

Renewable energy

One way to diminish the negative environmental impact of an air conditioner is to reduce its electricity consumption.

Renewable energy like solar provides a solution. There are somesolar air conditioningoptions available today. For example, Lennox builds itsSunSourceline to easily integrate within a home already utilizing solar energy.

HotSpot Energymakes a mini split that will keep you cool and completely off the grid energy-wise.

I want solar AC!

R-410A refrigerant

Most air conditioners built in the last five years employ R-410A refrigerant. This is a preferable option compared toR-22 (Freon), which used to be the refrigerant of choice across the industry.

r - 410 a(也称为高纯度铁)是危害较小environment and human health. It doesn’t harm the ozone layer.

If you’re not in the market for a new system, you can hire an HVAC tech to update an older air conditioner to use R-410A instead of R-22. However, retrofitting an aging unit may not be a desirable financial move compared to investing in a more energy-efficient model.

Soon, we may see a new class of refrigerants called A2L take over. They’re even more eco-friendly than R-410A. Plus, they’re less toxic.

Evaporative cooling

Evaporative coolingis an alternative to a traditional air conditioner. This method doesn’t use refrigerant and consumes less than half the energy of traditional air conditioners.

These systems work by pulling outdoor air in, where it passes over water-saturated pads. The water evaporates into the air, which causes it to cool. Then the cooler directs the cool air into your home.

An evaporative cooler may work for you if you live in an area that doesn’t get too hot and has low humidity. Since these systems push hot air out of your home through open windows, they aren’t for all lifestyles.

Enhanced energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is measured using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). A higher number signifies a more efficient unit.

Most modern ACs have a SEER of at least 13, but2023 HVAC regulationscall for a change. The top green air conditioning options will have a SEER of around 26. Lennox claims itsSL28XCVis the most efficient AC on the market, with a SEER of 28.

While high-SEER air conditioners are generally more expensive than lower-SEER alternatives, they will save you money long-term on your utility bills.

An AC with a SEER of 15 or higher can earn theENERGY STARcertification. Purchasing ENERGY STAR products may earn you additional rebates and tax credits.

Help me choose an energy-efficient air conditioner!

Tips for green air conditioning

Not all of us can afford to upgrade our AC. And if your existing system is working just fine, ditching it for something newer and greener may not be the most environmentally sound option.

Consider these suggestions for operating your existing AC in a more eco-friendly manner.

  • Set yourAC to 78℉ in the summer, according to Energy.gov.
  • Use your thermostat to set your AC’s fan to “auto” instead of “on.”
  • Change your home’sair filtersto ensure your HVAC system can effectively circulate air.
  • Schedule anAC tuneupannually to keep your air conditioner operating in peak condition.
  • Check yourductwork for leaksand blockages.
  • Consider installing amini split ACrather than cooling the whole house if you want one room cooler than others.
  • Close your window coverings to keep sunlight from heating up your home.
  • Avoid using appliances and electronics that produce heat, including your oven, lamps, and clothes dryer, when it’s especially hot out.

I want to schedule my annual AC maintenance appointment

The future of green air conditioning

Industry advancements and regulation changes suggest there’s a promising future for eco-friendly air conditioning. Many big-name brands and independent researchers are heavily invested in lessening the environmental impact of AC.

Some are focused on new evaporative cooling methods. Others are innovating environmentally safe refrigerant compounds. And more are building renewable energy sources to power HVAC systems.

Though completely green air conditioning doesn’t exist today, the future looks promising.