Are Air Conditioning Units Bad For The Environment?

Air conditioning used to be considered as being bad for the environment, but modern technology has changed all that.
 
Climate change and modern lifestyles are affecting the way that we heat and cool our homes in the UK. When our grandparent’s were young, central heating was only for the few and hot summers were tolerated with great stoicism.  Solid fuel fires were commonplace and they filled the air with smoke, smuts and sulphurous smells which, in turn, resulted in smog and acid rain.
 
Today, we recognise that extreme temperatures can have a detrimental affect on health and, wellbeing - particularly in older and more vulnerable members of society.  Extreme heat affects children’s ability to learn, and does nothing to help productivity in the workplace - and that includes home offices.
 
More and more people are turning to air conditioning to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature all year round.  It’s clean, it’s efficient, it’s virtually silent and it’s very convenient. But what about energy efficiency? Are air conditioning units bad for the environment?
 
Air conditioning units and energy consumption
 
Air conditioning units can be used all year round. To cool the ambient temperature in summer time, and to warm the room in winter time. When they were first invented - way back in 1901, they would have used a lot of electricity, as well as refrigerants that we now know are bad for the environment.  But times have changed, technological advances now mean that modern air conditioning units using up to date refrigerants, are incredibly energy efficient.
 
The A/C units that are supplied and installed by Advantage Air Conditioning all have an energy rating or A or above.  They are cheap to run, and most importantly, do not send polluting particles into the air.
 
Recycling modern air conditioning units
 
Reusing and recycling any household appliances is crucial for the environment.  For the sake of our planet, we can no longer afford to simply throw things away when they break down. 
 
Good quality modern air conditioning units are all fully recyclable - but not until they’ve served their owners faithfully for many years.  Nowadays, units are built to last and have a life expectancy of 15-20 years…..after which time, technology will have moved on and they’ll be even more efficient.
 
So - Are Air Conditioning Units Bad For The Environment?
 
In answer to the question “Are air conditioning units bad for the environment?” we would say that modern A/C units are quite probably better for the environment than fossil fuel fired heaters or inefficient electric fans.  Particularly if you take a few simple measures to enhance their efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
 
How to improve the carbon footprint of your air conditioning unit

• Keep windows closed while the unit is in use
• Only switch your air conditioning or heating on when you really need it
• Have your air conditioning unit serviced regularly
• Keep ducts clean and clear
• Change filters regularly
• Insulate your home as well as you possibly can
• Turn the temperature down a little in winter and up a little in summer
• Switch to a ‘green’ energy supplier

How to find out the efficiency rating of your air conditioning unit
 
The team at Advantage Air Conditioning are always on hand to help you assess the efficiency of your A/C unit - whether it’s an existing unit in your home or a proposed new system.
 
Call us today with any questions you may have.
Or take a look at our products - the energy rating for each unit is clearly shown in its description.