Air conditioners have several environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing to operation and disposal. Key concerns include:
Resource Extraction: The use of raw materials, primarily metals and plastics, contributes to environmental degradation.
Operation Emissions: During operation, air conditioners emit carbon and other greenhouse gases, significantly contributing to global warming and climate change.
Disposal Issues: When air conditioning units reach the end of their life, improper disposal can create waste management challenges.
As environmental awareness increases, many homeowners are seeking eco-friendly cooling solutions. In response, HVAC companies, including local providers like Central Oregon Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, are expanding their offerings to include energy-efficient air conditioning systems designed to lower both carbon footprints and energy consumption.
Air Conditioners and Fluorocarbon Emissions
Fluorocarbons are man-made greenhouse gasses and when released into the atmosphere, they can be thousands of times more damaging than carbon dioxide.
Historically, air conditioners primarily used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which severely harmed the ozone layer. Production of CFCs in the U.S. ceased in 1995. Since then, most air conditioners have utilized halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are less damaging but are being phased out as well; production and import of HCFCs were largely stopped by 2020, with complete removal targeted by 2030.
Although HCFCs will remain available for a while due to recovery and reuse from older units, they are being replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs do not contain chlorine and are less harmful than their predecessors, they still have high global warming potential (GWP).
Climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs include ammonia, a natural coolant that does not contribute to ozone depletion or global warming. Currently, HFCs are the most common refrigerants in air conditioners and, if managed properly, they are significantly less harmful than previous fluorocarbons.
However, the trend is shifting toward more sustainable alternatives like ammonia. The hope is to eventually eliminate man-made coolants altogether, but for now, it's important to make environmentally conscious choices based on available options.
As global temperatures rise, air conditioners have become essential in many regions, increasing the demand for eco-friendly cooling solutions. However, traditional air conditioners are often energy-intensive and use coolants that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
This creates a cycle where hotter climates lead to greater reliance on air conditioning, which in turn increases carbon emissions. Fortunately, energy-efficient and eco-friendly air conditioners are emerging as viable solutions to this problem.
This article will explore the environmental impact of conventional air conditioners, their role in climate change, the characteristics that make an air conditioner eco-friendly, and highlight seven top eco-friendly air conditioning options currently available.
Final Thoughts & Our Two Top Picks
In conclusion, there are many great options for energy-efficient and eco-friendly air conditioners to choose from. Finding the best option comes down to your needs, the size of your space and finding an air conditioner that is energy efficient and easy to maintain.
The options we included above are all Energy Star rated or have good energy efficiency ratio (EER) scores. We also included a variety of brands and sizes so that there is something good for most residential or small commercial spaces.
They’re all great options but two stood out as being particularly good eco-friendly air conditioners:
Top Pick #1: Frigidaire FGRC1044T1 Cool Connect 10 000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
We love that the Frigidaire Cool Connect is a smart air conditioner that can be programmed and controlled remotely, via WiFi. It is highly energy-efficient and beautifully designed with a sleek and modern exterior. The many different control settings make it easy to use as effectively and economically as possible – protecting your pocket as well as the environment!
Top Pick #2: Whynter Elite ARC-122DS 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
We love that the Whynter Elite Portable Air Conditioner is completely portable, without losing any of the cooling capacity of a wall or window-mounted model. It is also energy-efficient, programmable, remote-controlled, and acts as a fan and a dehumidifier, which gives you a lot of flexibility in how and when you use it. What’s not to love?!
7 Features of an Energy Efficient & Eco-Friendly Air Conditioner
1. Correctly Sized Air Conditioners
Choosing the right-sized air conditioner is crucial for efficiency and cost savings.
Sizing Importance:
Too Small: Runs at full power longer, wasting energy.
Too Big: Uses excess power, leading to higher bills.
Sizing Guidelines:
Use 20 BTUs per square foot.
Calculate square footage: length × width.
For open spaces, combine measurements.
Adjustments:
Heavily shaded rooms: Reduce capacity by 10%.
Sunny rooms: Increase capacity by 10%.
More than two occupants: Add 600 BTUs per person.
Heat-intensive rooms (kitchens): Add 4000 BTUs.
For precise sizing, consult a professional.
2. Energy-Efficient, Variable Speed Compressors
The compressor in your air conditioner is the component that uses the most power. Choose one that is energy-efficient because can regulate itself based on the ambient temperature.
For example, a two-stage compressor has two different modes, one for hotter days and one for cooler days. Having these two modes allows the air conditioner to be more energy efficient by working harder only on hotter days and using less power to do its job on the cooler days.
3. Easy Maintenance
Regular maintenance not only improves the efficiency of your air conditioner but also prevents and rectifies any coolant leaks.
When coolants leak from old or badly maintained air conditioner units, it evaporates into the atmosphere and, as a potent greenhouse gas, contributes to global warming.
It is recommended that you have your air conditioner serviced twice a year, in the spring and autumn to make sure that everything is working optimally and there are no cracks or leaks.
Consider this when you’re buying the unit and choose one that local technicians can service and that does not need specialized or imported parts for their regular maintenance.
4. Customized Systems
Customized systems allow you to choose the most efficient components for your specific needs. Some customized systems allow for different energy sources for heating and cooling, which allows you to be even more effective and efficient.
Customizing specific components within the unit also allows for more efficient systems, that are uniquely suited to your location, climate, and building requirements. It is worth talking to a local professional to see if they can help you here.
5. Programmable Thermostats
An air conditioner with a programmable thermostat will allow you to set specific parameters for its use. You can set specific temperatures and you can set it to automatically turn on and off at specific times.
This level of control is great because you can set it to cool the space down before you arrive home or you can set it to turn off when the temperature reaches a specific setting. Fine-tuned adjustments like these make it nice to own and even more energy-efficient.
6. User Friendly and Easy to Operate Efficiently
The most efficient air conditioner in the world won’t be that efficient if you can’t work out how to use it effectively. Look for a model that is easy to operate and easy to program.
Instructions and buttons should clear and simple. Setting it correctly should be easy. The settings should be unambiguous – look for units that show an actual temperature rather than just vague levels or settings like ‘cooler’ and ‘warmer’.
Extra features are also something to look out for – things like remote control capability, dehumidifying, and exhaust setting for fresh air intake without cooling are great extras to have.
7. Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps are not just for heating! A geothermal heat pump allows your air conditioner to use the earth as a heat sink to absorb heat from your home. Geothermal air conditioners are generally more energy-efficient and can result in a 25% to 50% energy reduction!
