Air conditioners: how to save and help the environment
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Time to read 6 min
Air Conditioning Industry
According to a study by Berkeley, around 700 million air conditioning units will be installed worldwide by 2030. At this rate, there will be 1.6 billion units by 2050.
And how can we ensure that this does not have a negative impact on the environment?
Through two ways:
An increase in efficiency in the manufacture of new devices to reduce energy consumption and, consequently, reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.
Innovation in the manufacturing of these systems to combat global warming, such as using refrigerants with less GWP (Global Warming Potential)
Both measures are included in the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that entered into force on January 1, 1989, and was designed to protect the ozone layer by reducing the production and consumption of numerous substances responsible for its depletion.
Ultimately, reducing emissions is the responsibility of companies, institutions and citizens. But what can you do as a consumer to minimise the impact on the environment? Although much of the responsibility falls on the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, it is important to bear in mind that you can also take care of the environment from home when it comes to this sector.
The intelligent use of electronic devices, such as air conditioners, will benefit the environment, but it will also help your wallet and your well-being. To keep the environment in your home as cool as possible, you have to know how to use this equipment properly. The proper use of electrical appliances translates into more efficient energy consumption, a reduction in the environmental footprint and savings on the electricity bill.
According to Idealista data, in Seville, 70.2% of homes are air-conditioned, 55.8% in Madrid, 53.2% in Valencia, 52.9% in Barcelona and 51.9% in Alicante. And although their installation has become a quality of life, if we manage to develop air conditioners that are a third more efficient and, at the same time, eliminate hydrofluorocarbons (greenhouse gas used by equipment for cooling) it would mean, in terms of reducing emissions, a much greater impact than some large renewable energy projects.
It's not time to use it yet...wait!
Before turning it on, when there are still a few weeks left until summer arrives, we can take advantage of the natural cooling possibilities that our home still offers without resorting to it.
We are talking about simple measures such as drawing the curtains and lowering the blinds to a fingertip's width during the central hours of the day, and ventilating the house by opening the windows early in the morning or at dusk. These gestures appear simple but are the most effective and economical way of cooling the interior of the home without yet having to resort to air conditioning.
Using awnings and parasols to prevent direct sunlight by protecting windows and doors will also allow us to reduce heat condensation caused by solar radiation.
It is also advisable to turn off lights and electrical appliances that are not in use , as, in addition to wasting energy and increasing urban greenhouse gas emissions, they are a source of heat generation.
If the heat is on and despite the high cost of the electricity bill we decide to turn on the air conditioning unit, it is advisable to remember some basic aspects related to its use, because it is not just any household appliance, since its abuse can be much more expensive than with any other appliance, as well as posing a risk to health . To avoid this, it is advisable to keep in mind some practical advice:
Practical tips
- A temperature of 25°C is more than sufficient to achieve a reasonable level of comfort during the summer months. Every degree below this level increases consumption by 8% and increases the risk of contracting an illness. In fact, most colds attributed to air conditioning are due to exceeding the temperature difference between inside and outside (often more than 10 degrees) or to prolonged exposure to the cold air outlet of the appliance, which can lead to much more serious illnesses.
- In summer, take advantage of the cooler hours of the day to ventilate your home. Early in the morning and at night are the best times.
- At night, you should never sleep with the air conditioning on. In any case, you can keep it in the ventilation position, exchanging the air inside with the air outside. This movement of air produces a drop in temperature of between 3 oC and 5 oC with minimal electricity consumption.
- And if we are going to buy a new one, we should not forget that among the many brands and categories on the market there are models that, with the same performance, can consume up to 80% more energy. Be careful with the offers. It is worth choosing a device with maximum efficiency (as close to the current class A) even if it is more expensive: at the price we are paying for energy, we will amortize that difference in just one summer.
The main challenge to reduce the impacts associated with energy development is energy efficiency.
A commitment that must include institutions, companies and citizens.
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How can you be energy efficient without losing the benefits of air conditioning?
The appliance must have the appropriate energy efficiency certification from an approved entity that recognises the potential for energy savings in the product.
It is advisable to buy the most efficient appliances (A+++), which can save up to 40% in energy consumption compared to other appliances with a lower rating.
It is important to position the cooling units so that they receive as little sunlight as possible and that there is good air circulation around them, so that they are not forced to operate at a higher power than necessary. If the outdoor units are on a roof, it is advisable to cover them with a shading system (using a small roof or similar).
You should also not place it near heat sources such as the oven, as you will need more power to heat those spaces.
Before turning on the air conditioning, make sure that all windows and doors are closed to create proper insulation.
When it comes to setting the temperature, the formula that usually doesn't fail is to program the air conditioning so that it doesn't exceed 12 degrees of difference with the outside temperature. A stable temperature between 24 and 26 degrees is enough to feel comfortable and not waste energy.
The vast majority of units include options that encourage savings, such as eco mode, which allows you to save energy without the unit becoming less efficient by automatically adjusting the power based on the temperature. Or sleep mode, which increases the temperature as the unit is in operation, since when people rest, their body temperature drops.
If we leave the air-conditioned room for a short period of time, it is better to keep the air conditioning on, but at a medium temperature, creating a gradual drop in temperature . Starting the appliance with the thermostat too low is a mistake, as the equipment suffers and consumption increases excessively.
A good trick for efficient and responsible use of air conditioning is to turn off the devices a few minutes before leaving home . In addition to reducing electricity consumption, it helps to minimize sudden temperature changes in the body. The cooling of a room is not lost immediately when the equipment is turned off, but due to the effect of inertia it is maintained for a certain time after turning off the air.
To ensure that the equipment is as efficient as possible, annual maintenance is required, which consists of cleaning the filter of the indoor unit, cleaning the battery of the outdoor unit and checking the refrigerant gas charge.
Installation technicians know the needs of homes depending on their solar orientation, room size and intended use of the appliance. They will advise you when choosing the most suitable equipment for you. Don't forget that a lower or higher power than necessary will influence the optimal efficiency of the air conditioning.
