While air conditioning companies are doing their best to transition to greener energy and eco-friendly technologies, that does not mean these units don’t generate pollutants that pose a health concern to the public. The truth is air conditioning does indeed cause air pollution. Even though the current number of pollutants don’t have an immediate effect, the more you use an air conditioner, the more detrimental they are. Here are ways air conditioning causes air pollution.
Toxic Refrigerants
Air conditioner manufacturers are working towards introducing safer refrigerants. The change from CFC and HCFC to HFC has been a great milestone. However, all these compounds still generate greenhouse gas effects. HFCs are safer and create fewer greenhouse gases, but they’re not 100 percent secure.
The call among environmentalists to completely phase out HFCs is yet to be heard. Most air conditioners run on these refrigerants. As inventors join forces to discover safe alternatives to HFCs, people will have to deal with the negatives of HFCs.
Innovators have discovered ways to prevent contact between HFCs and nature. Air conditioning refrigerators are locked in a closed loop. Provided your air conditioner is in perfect shape, HFCs will never mix with nature to cause air pollution. However, when your air conditioner is old or has developed leaks, the refrigerant will find its way out. As it mixes with the air you breathe, it could cause severe health damage.
When HFCs mix with the air outside, they cause ozone layer depletion. This will result in more ultraviolet radiation effects and increased cancer cases.
Indoor air with HFC elements can cause dizziness, skin rashes, and heart problems. Excessive exposure to such refrigerants can cause long-term health problems and even death.
There are easy ways to minimize air pollution caused by AC refrigerants. This includes disposing of and replacing your air conditioner once it hits ten years old. Look for air conditioners using the latest and safest refrigerants. The most recommended ones are R-410A, R-134A, and R-407C. You can also schedule regular HVAC maintenance service. This ensures experts can detect and seal refrigerant leaks on time. When disposing of your air conditioner, seek professional help. Do not just throw the unit out yourself, as it needs to be disposed of properly for safety.
Fossil Fuel Emission
Air conditioners need energy to run. These units consume approximately 318 watts per hour. If you multiply such watts with the hours your AC runs, the amounts could be massive. Sadly, most energy for powering ACs comes from burning coals. Coal-burning causes vast amounts of carbon dioxide.
Over 82% of American homes use air conditioners. Almost half of those air conditioners run on gas power. That gives you an approximate estimate of how much carbon dioxide is emitted into the air every day.
The shift to solar air conditioners is slowly gaining momentum. You may expect to see more solar air conditioners in the coming years. However, since most homes still run on gas air conditioners, there are ways to avoid air pollution. Again, look for energy-efficient air conditioners when considering replacement. The latest ACs and heating systems use less energy, reducing the amount of carbon print. Buy air conditioners powered by sustainable energy sources. Go for geothermal heat pumps and solar-powered air conditioners. Have a preventive care plan in place. You want to maintain the air conditioner in the most efficient state to reduce energy consumption.
Unclean Ducts
The harmful side effect of air conditioners is not entirely on a global level. These systems also pollute air on a smaller scale. Over time, air conditioners collect bacteria and dust, and when the AC is turned on, these substances are released into the home and environment. Most of these components are toxic for humans and can cause various health effects. Get the air ducts cleaned by an expert regularly to avoid dust and bacteria accumulation.
However, there are more advanced ductless mini-split brands that are safer and more environmentally friendly. In fact, ductless mini-split air conditioners are more durable and reliable.
Thermal Pollution
Air conditioner manufacturers work towards keeping you totally safe. They have systems and unique designs that ensure excess heat does not hurt your interior comfort. However, do not forget that the heat the air conditioners collect indoors is disposed of outdoors.
If you live in a congested environment and everyone uses an AC, you can expect the air quality to be less than optimal. It’s a continuous cycle, and it may continue for the lifespan of the air conditioner.
The leading cause of such an issue is mainly the heavy use of air conditioners. Simply put, the higher the use of air conditioners in your locality, the more prone you become to higher temperatures. The increased air temperatures directly affect the comfort of everyone. There are effective ways to resolve such an issue.
You can start by optimizing natural ventilation. This will reduce the use of artificial methods to control indoor temperatures. Having a comfortable living environment means you utilize other ways to stay cool instead of using the air conditioner. Less use of the air conditioner reduces the pollution they cause.
This brings the next point of using a fan more often. Instead of focusing on using the air conditioner, consider using the fan. A fan won’t cause air pollution as your air conditioner does. Plant enough trees around your home. More trees mean cooler and more comfortable indoor temperatures. The more comfortable the indoor temperatures, the less you will use the air conditioner. You won’t face air pollution when you stop overreliance on an air conditioner.
Contact the Professionals!
Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating is one of the longest-running AC repair and repair maintenance specialists in our area. We proudly serve Flower Mound, TX, and the areas surrounding it. We’re committed to offering high-quality AC installations and replacements. Our experts work with you to find air conditioners that use the safest refrigerants to prevent possible air pollution.
Our services include also heating replacement, heating repairs, and heating maintenance. Our tune-ups will prepare your unit for summer, ensuring that the system performs efficiently when you need it. We can equally prep your heating system for the winter through thorough inspection and tune-up. If you’re dealing with excess humidity, we can install dehumidifiers to remove humidity and mold growth issues.
Other services we provide include heating and AC rejuvenation, indoor air quality solutions, and smart home optimization. Our commercial HVAC services extend to retail stores, strip malls, medical practices, churches, and other small commercial properties. If indoor air quality is your concern, our solutions include assessment and high-efficiency filters, UV lights, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. If you’re ready for smart technology, our programmable thermostats and zoning options are available for installation. Both options will greatly improve your home comfort and bank account!
You can visit our website for more information on our products, specials, and financing. We also offer our energy savings club. This program provides even more savings, special offers, reduced service fees, priority service, industry-leading warranties, no overtime charges, and complimentary microbial duct swab! You can even build credit toward a future installation! For every heating and cooling-related project, contact Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating today!
Contact Triple A Air Conditioning & Heating today
