Carrier Eco-Friendly Air Conditioners

Are Air Conditioners Bad for the Environment?

It’s important to understand the impact air conditioning has on the environment and how you can help protect our planet while still being comfortable. Air conditioners are widely relied on throughout the country and around the world, causing people to wonder “Are air conditioners bad for the environment?”. Because they use a large amount of energy, electricity production is increased, which emits more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At excessive levels, this greenhouse gas can trap heat near the planet’s surface and contribute to global warming. Another factor is refrigerant. Some previously used refrigerants have a greater warming effect than carbon dioxide. While they are not a cause for concern inside an air conditioning unit, they are problematic if released into the atmosphere. Keeping your system functioning properly and free of leaks will reduce the chances of this happening.

Air Conditioning and Climate Change

Air conditioning plays a significant role in the ongoing issue of climate change. While air conditioning provides relief from heat and improves indoor comfort, it also contributes to the overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. Air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners. As a result, roughly 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are released into the air each year.1 Moreover, the increasing global demand for air conditioning is putting additional strain on electricity grids, leading to further reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Environmentally Friendly Air Conditioner Use

Advancements in technology and the adoption of eco-friendly practices offer solutions to mitigate these environmental impacts. Energy-efficient air conditioning systems, such as those with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) ratings, utilize less energy while maintaining optimal cooling performance. Additionally, the development of alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potentials is reducing the direct impact of air conditioning on climate change. To combat the negative effects of air conditioning on the environment, it is crucial to embrace sustainable practices, such as proper system maintenance, temperature moderation, and the use of renewable energy sources. By prioritizing energy efficiency and eco-friendly choices, we can work towards a more environmentally friendly air conditioner use by striking a balance between comfort and climate responsibility in the realm of air conditioning.

SEER2 and EER2 Ratings

Starting January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) has implemented new testing procedures to accurately determine the efficiency ratings of split system air conditioners. The DOE has established two efficiency standards, namely the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2), for HVAC systems. These standards are calculated based on rigorous testing methods prescribed by the DOE. The recent update by the Department of Energy introduces SEER2 and EER2 as the revised air conditioner efficiency standards, taking into account more precise testing conditions that better reflect real-world operational scenarios.

¹ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-conditioning