On the list of environmentally friendly improvements that can be made in a home, green air conditioning is considered one of the more unrealistic by many people; the perception is that no air conditioner at all is the only “green” alternative. However, improvements in technology and changes to environmental laws have led to incredible improvements in air conditioners in recent years. Today's air conditioning cools the home better with less energy, sometimes reducing its carbon footprint dramatically.
Reducing the impact of home air conditioning on the environment takes more than just picking an efficient unit. The unit must be the right size for the space to provide the most efficient cooling, and the entire home should be evaluated to see where cool air may be escaping. Simply fixing leaking windows can reduce loss by as much as 50%, and installing high-efficiency duct work will add even more improvements.
Central air conditioners are rated using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Before 1979, most units had a SEER of less than 8, but that doesn't even reach today's minimum standards. Doubling the SEER of an air conditioner cuts the costs of operation in half, and it's not difficult to find systems with ratings of 17 or more. In general more efficient units have larger up-front costs but will be less expensive and more green for the life of the unit.
Things to keep in mind when switching to more green air conditioning:
- Improving seals around windows and doors can dramatically reduce energy inefficiency.
- Window and wall units will use less energy if installed on the shadier side of the house.
- Installing ceiling fans improves air circulation, allowing cool air to spread out more evenly.
- Use drapes to cover sunny windows during the summer.
- Avoid crowding the exhaust of an air conditioner with shrubs, outbuildings, or other obstacles.
Consumer tip: 30% of a home's heat is absorbed through the roof. An attic fan can significantly improve ventilation and reduce cooling costs.
This post was prepared from an interview with Ed Wolfe of Go Green Home Services by Terence P Ward of KathodeRay Media.
Tags: Air-Conditioning, energy audit, energy efficiency upgrades, greener home
If you like what you found, subscribe to our RSS Feed, Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kathleen Packard. Kathleen Packard said: Find out how to switch to Green Air Conditioning this summer: http://bit.ly/bG85eg [...]
Thank you for a great post