Saving the Environment: Your air conditioner plays a major role

Installing an air conditioner in your home, whether for one room exclusively or a split system, usually meant your electricity bill and noise pollution would increase. To keep comfortable on hot days, the environment would have to suffer slightly from use of fossil fuels to drive the electrical components in the air conditioner. Today's modern technology allows you to be more eco-friendly when purchasing and installing a unit. Consider several air conditioner features as you decide on a model for the home. Air conditioning installation does not have to harm the environment, if you are aware of certain details.

Size It Right

Each home or apartment has a unique indoor volume, making it critical to size the air conditioner before installation. For example, an apartment with only 800 square feet requires a small unit compared to a two-story house housing 2,500 square feet. Large homes need a matching air conditioner to properly cool the space without overworking the unit. Air conditioners that run constantly at full power emit more fumes over time, negatively affecting the environment. Before your air conditioning installation, consult with a professional to size the system just right.

Energy Consumption

When you narrow down your selections by size, take a look at the air conditioners energy efficiency rating. The United States government provides a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) to give you an idea of energy consumption throughout the year. If possible, select an Energy Star model with a SEER rating of 13.0 or higher. This rating corresponds to the quality of internal parts that work together without a lot of wasted energy or fumes. Avoid budget models with poor ratings. You'll pay more for the unit over time with high energy bills and systematic damage to the environment.

Current Refrigerant Technology

Air conditioners used to use R-22 as a refrigerant. This liquid circulates throughout air conditioners, providing the pressurized gas and liquid to change hot air into cool air. R-22, however, was found to be an ozone-depleting chemical, or Freon. Although most air conditioners do not have R-22 anymore, be sure to verify that the new refrigerant type, R140-A, is installed within the unit. This refrigerant is eco-friendly for all air conditioners.

Considering Power Sources

For most air conditioners, you must use a hard-wired connection to your home's main electrical panel for power. Air conditioners require high current to activate and run consistently. A dedicated circuit keeps the unit working separately from your other indoor appliances, such as microwaves and laundry centers. Alternatively, look for newer air conditioners using solar energy as a viable power source. Although you will need some outdoor space for solar panels, this power alternative is a smart choice that may gain more popularity as fossil fuel and electricity concerns rise.

Installation Location

To help you conserve energy even more, position the air conditioner in a mostly shady area. Hot sun forces the system to work harder to cool your indoor air. Shade reduces stress on the system, causing it to use less energy to run efficiently. Life spans are typically increased, saving you money on maintenance and future replacement. A smart installation position also reduces noise pollution. Keep the air conditioner away from your neighbor's windows. Try to position it away from your home's walls to reduce sound reverberation to the rest of the neighborhood. Noise pollution is also an environmental concern, affecting wildlife's daily habits.

Staying comfortable at home, and reducing environmental impact, is possible with smart air conditioner choices. Keep your thermostat at a reasonable level and use ceiling fans to complement the cool air. You can stay cool by using the air conditioner responsibly and preserve the environment for future generations.