All year round, air conditioners are in high demand. They can either chill or warm an area, but we’ve all heard about the negative health impacts they have. Although air conditioning units can have negative health consequences on our bodies, this is not the only issue. It also has a significant influence on the environment. Learn more about the detrimental effects of air conditioning on the environment by reading on:
Air conditioners and global warming
The greenhouse gases emitted by air conditioning units contribute to global warming. Methane and carbon dioxide are two of these gases. As the earth’s temperature rises, ice caps will begin to melt, raising the seas. Every year, about 300 million hvac systems are thrown away around the world. Each home air conditioner has about 800 g of refrigerant in it.
Environmental Effects of Air Conditioners
1. HFCs and CFCs
There are several moving components in an air conditioner, thus it’s a complicated system to understand how it works. Cooling agents in air conditioning units like CFCs and HFCs contribute to the enlargement of ozone layer holes over time when they are emitted into the atmosphere.
The use of CFC and HFC in older air conditioning units is a major contributor to global warming. HFCs and HFOs, which are highly common in newer models, have a significant impact on ozone depletion.
2. Consumption of energy
The correct operation of an air conditioner needs a large amount of energy. Since it uses so much power, it pollutes the environment. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is emitted into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burnt. This contributes significantly to ozone depletion.
Every hour, a normal ac unit will require between 3000 and 5000 watts of energy, relying on the season — the hotter it is, the more power is needed. This is certainly damaging to the environment and incredibly costly.
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3. Dirty ducts
As a warning, air conditioning units not only harm the global environment, but they also damage the environment on a smaller scale. Over time, dust and microorganisms accumulate in the air ducts connected to your ac unit. As soon as the air conditioner turns on, these pollutants are pumped into the house, where they harm everyone, but particularly children.
4. Materials included
Metal was the primary material used in air conditioners in the past. Plastics have replaced metal throughout the years since they’re cheaper and easier to work with (and lighter). Plastic, unlike metal, is fully non-biodegradable, making it an enemy of the ecosystem. Even the simple process of making plastic is harmful, since it contributes to the greenhouse effect by releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
There are times when air conditioners are absolutely necessary for survival. As a result of climate change, certain areas are becoming dangerously hot, necessitating the use of a cooling agent. Regardless of the fact that air conditioning contributes to global warming, it is undeniable that we still want them in order to withstand the increasing temperatures, whether at house or at our workplaces.
What steps can we take to minimize the damage?
When making communities, keep in mind that temperatures should be cool. Subdivision and development in suburban areas sometimes necessitate the removal of trees. Trees provide shade on sidewalks and in your lawn, and they also make it easier for buildings to handle heat. As the sun reaches a tree’s leaves, the water in the plant evaporates, resulting in cooler air below and a reduction in temperature.
You can get a sense of this impact by walking barefoot on some pavement that has no adjacent trees for shade. If your home is placed in full sun, your Aircon unit works more harder to keep it cool. Add extra trees, preferably on the south side of your home, to raise the canopy level.
If you’re looking to upgrade your systems, Socool Air conditioning give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on which system is ideal for you and your house.
