Using Air Conditioning in an Environmentally Friendly Manner

Air conditioning has become a necessity, especially with the rise in global temperatures. It's no longer comfortable to stride through sweltering summers without the cool mechanism to reduce indoor temperatures. However, while one of the world's greatest innovations has made life much easier and more bearable during hot days, such an invention has also come at a steep price both to the environment and to your wallet.

The use of air conditioning is responsible for releasing dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere such as HCFCs, also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons. While HCFCs deplete 90% less ozone that the formerly used CFCs, with the rise in use of home air conditioning units in developing countries, it is reducing ozone recovery. In addition, the use of air conditioners requires more energy to be consumed, meaning that power plants are projecting more harmful gases into the atmosphere that contribute to global warming and other environmentally damaging effects. Luckily, you can combat these issues today and do your share in being environmentally conscious by taking the following steps to save energy when using your air conditioning unit.

Close Openings

One of the most effective ways to have your air conditioning work smarter and not harder is to ensure that all openings in your home are properly closed and sealed. Meaning, when your air conditioning is running, do not leave any windows or doors open so air can escape. Air conditioners can usually detect the temperature in the home, and when air escaping, the air conditioner works harder to replace the warm air that is coming in.

Blinds and Shades

Another method to keep your energy consumption by your air conditioning low is to cover your windows with blinds or shades. Doing so will keep the heat out of your home, allowing your air conditioning unit to cool your home, but with a more reasonable amount of energy.

Air Conditioning Installation

Air conditioning installation is a serious matter when it comes to energy use and consumption. To keep the amount of energy that your air conditioning is using down, and to save yourself money, you should consider alternatives to a central unit. Two alternatives are either choosing an environmentally friendly central unit, which you can consult your local air conditioning specialist about, or you can have a window unit installed. When you choose the right air conditioning for your home, you potentially save a great deal of money and energy, leaving you glad that you made the right decisions.

Raise the Temperature

An additional great way to keep energy costs down from your air conditioning unit is to raise the temperature a few degrees. The ideal energy efficient temperature for an air conditioning unit is 72 degrees. This temperature will allow your unit to run as optimally as possible, while also giving your home the cooling that it needs. Leaving your unit at this temperature will also save you 12 to 47 percent in cooling costs.

Maintenance

Having a professional perform a maintenance check on your air conditioning unit may seem like an unnecessary cost, but in the long term it will save you not only hundreds of dollars, but it will also keep your impact on the environment low and reduce your energy consumption. A maintenance check will give your filters a needed replacement, ensure that the unit is working properly, and it will prolong the longevity of your unit.

Overall, the above methods are excellent ways to protect both the environment and your wallet. Be environmentally conscious and energy-efficient with the above steps, each of which will benefit both you and the environment.