How Energy Efficient Air Conditioners are Better for the Environment
Air conditioners use more electricity than many other types of appliances, so having an energy-efficient air conditioner is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while keeping your house cool. Even better, lower energy usage means increased efficiency, meaning you’ll save money on your electric bill with a new AC unit.
What Do Energy Efficient Air Conditioners Do?
Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and save people in the United States about $500 per year on their electric bills. During the 1970s energy crisis, states imposed strict efficiency standards on manufacturers to reduce energy consumption, and competition drove manufacturers to produce appliances that use less and less energy.
How Energy Efficient Air Conditioners Work
Most people know that appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators turn heat into cool air using refrigerants and condensing units. In air conditioning, a refrigerant is used to absorb heat energy. When hot air passes over the refrigerant, it expands and becomes a gas. When the air condenses, it cools and is pumped into your house.
The two basic types of air conditioners are single units and split units. Window or portable ACs are single units that contain all of the components, and split units are part of a central air system that uses ducting. Both types of ACs work using the same principles.
Features to Look For in an AC Unit
Central air systems are generally more energy efficient than window or portable AC units, but you have a lot of choices when it comes to purchasing the right AC for your home. How much money you can save with an energy-efficient air conditioner depends on several factors, like how often it runs, your local climate, and whether or not it was installed correctly.
The first thing to look for in an AC unit is the energy efficiency rating (EER). The EER is the ratio of cooling capacity to power input. The higher the number, the more efficient your air conditioner is. Old units have an EER of about 10, while the most efficient units have a rating of 25.
Here are some other features to look for in a modern, energy-efficient AC:
Capacity- the size of the unit you need is based on how many square feet you are cooling, but you could need a bigger unit if you live in a hot climate, have tall ceilings, and have air leaks.
Type- split units are quieter and more efficient than window AC units, but they are more expensive.
Air quality- modern AC units dehumidify and clean your air with advanced filtration systems.
Adjustable thermostat- smart technology allows you to program your AC unit to operate at different temperatures during various times of the day to reduce energy consumption.
Price- your budget is always a concern, but it’s important to balance price with quality.
Most energy efficient air conditioners have excellent reviews, but when choosing a new AC unit, compare various models before deciding. When properly installed by hiring a qualified technician, it will maximize energy efficiency and increase the lifespan of an air conditioner.
Which Air Conditioners Are Energy Efficient?
Modern ACs use new compressor technology and fan-blade shapes that make them more efficient and quieter to operate. If your AC unit is over ten years old, you could save 20 to 40% on your cooling costs due to increased efficiency.
In addition to being more efficient, the new refrigerants in AC units are less harmful to the environment, which is good for your electric bill and helps protect the environment.
The best AC unit for your house will depend on your cooling needs. Here is a list of the top-rated energy-efficient air conditioners in four categories.
Best Energy Efficiency Rating: Midea 8,000 BTU Window Model
Best Energy Efficient Portable Air Conditioner: LG 14,000 BTU Portable Unit with Wi-Fi and remote
Best Central Air System: Royalton 3 Ton Residential Split Central Air System
Best Budget Split System AC: Mr. Cool 33,000 BTU Split System Air Conditioner
What Are Some Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Air Conditioning?
If you’re not ready to spend money on a central air conditioner system, there is a lot you can do to improve your home and increase the efficiency of your current one. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs simply by adding more insulation to your home.
There are other ways to keep your home cool so your air conditioning unit doesn’t have to work overtime, and they all help protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Open doors and windows to cool off your house at night, and use fans to blow air around. Install shades or window tinting to keep the sun from heating your home during the day, and avoid adding heat to your house with cooking appliances and clothes dryers during hot weather.
Are Energy-Efficient ACs Worth It?
Energy-efficient ACs use less energy and can reduce your cooling costs significantly. But is it worth investing in a new AC?
One reason to update your AC is that, as concern for the sustainability of the environment grows, products like R22 refrigerants are no longer available because they deplete the ozone. Retrofitting your old AC when it breaks down may not be an option.
Heating and cooling costs represent almost half of most people’s electric bills, so they are a great place to start when you’re trying to lower your costs and impact the environment. How much you can save depends on the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) of your old model vs. a new one and how much you run your AC. Remember that most units have a 5% drop in efficiency each year, even when properly maintained.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Affect the Environment?
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, air conditioning accounts for about 4% of global greenhouse emissions. In the United States, air conditioning consumes about 20% of the total residential electricity usage, which is likely to climb as climate change continues.
Many people focus on their air conditioning costs in terms of how much their electric bill is each month, but there is a significant cost to the environment as well. Valid questions need to be addressed about the sustainability of the current high energy usage in the US. The impact of air conditioning plays a significant role in this issue.
How to Dispose of Old Air Conditioners?
Correctly disposing of old air conditioners is important because they contain refrigerants that are hazardous to the environment. There are several ways to get rid of old air conditioning units, including taking them to a recycler, hiring a junk remover, or contacting your local sanitation department.
Take the hassle out of disposing of your old air conditioner by contacting Sourgum Waste. We’ll help you find the best way to get rid of your AC unit so you can replace it with one that’s better for the environment and easier on your wallet.
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