Air conditioning can cause air pollution if the system is not properly maintained and serviced. If you have an older AC system, there is a chance that it may be causing air pollution by releasing ozone-forming chemicals into the environment. However, this is less likely if your AC system was installed after 1994.
Older models of air conditioning units were not designed to release low levels of ozone-producing chemicals in the same way that newer models are. This means that older models could be releasing higher ozone levels than more recent models, which would mean that they would be more likely to cause air pollution.
However, even newer air conditioning units can cause air pollution if not properly maintained and serviced. Air conditioning units that are not properly maintained or serviced can release higher ozone levels into the environment than those with good maintenance practices.
Negative Environmental Impacts of Air Conditioners
1. CFCs/ HFCs
Air conditioners are one of the most common household appliances used by families and businesses to cool their homes and offices. But there are environmental impacts associated with air conditioners that you may not be aware of.
In particular, air conditioners use refrigerants like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) or HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). These chemicals prevent the refrigerant from leaking out of your air conditioner. However, these chemicals have damaged the ozone layer—a layer in our atmosphere that protects us from ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
The United States has banned CFCs and HFCs in new car air conditioning systems since 1995, but older cars still use these chemicals. Additionally, some older homes still have CFC-based air conditioning systems installed. This can be dangerous for our environment because these chemicals have been known to leak into the atmosphere over time, eventually finding their way into our oceans, where they destroy marine life.
2. Energy Use
Air conditioners are plentiful in the summer, but they can be terrible for your environment.
Air conditioners are energy-sucking machines. According to the Department of Energy, air conditioners account for 5% of all U.S. energy consumption, making them the second most energy-intensive appliance after refrigerators. That’s a lot of energy, and it’s not just limited to your home—air conditioners are a significant contributor to global warming.
For example, live in a humid area like Florida or Louisiana. Your air conditioner will use more power than a refrigerator because it has to work harder to remove humidity from the air. And even if you live in arid areas like Arizona or Nevada, an air conditioner still uses more power than other appliances because it has to work harder at keeping temperatures down (and keep dust from getting in).
3. Unclean Ducts
Ducts can accumulate dust and other pollutants, which can cause respiratory problems for people who live in the home.
Cleaning the ducts regularly is a good idea because there are some health risks involved with not cleaning the ducts. Dust and other pollutants can cause allergies and respiratory problems, especially for children and older adults.
The air inside of your home can become dirty if you don’t clean the vents regularly. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, leading to medical conditions such as asthma or allergies.
4. Materials Used
One of the most significant issues with air conditioners is the materials used to make them.
Air conditioners use a lot of electricity, which means that there is a lot of waste heat generated. To keep this waste heat from building up, the compressor uses refrigerants—specifically, R410A or R22—that are very flammable.
The problem worsens when you consider that these refrigerants are also made from synthetic compounds that require chemicals and energy to create. In addition, many air conditioner manufacturers use Freon as a refrigerant in their products, but the EPA banned Freon in 1995 because it damages Earth’s ozone layer.
5. Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution is a severe health issue that affects nearly all households. It results from the chemicals and particulates in household dust, cleaning products, furniture, and carpets. Over time, these substances can build up in the air to create a toxic environment. This concern gets bad during the spring, so most homeowners get their ac cleaned around springtime.
Air conditioners were initially thought to be an excellent solution to this problem. They can help lower temperatures and make the air feel more relaxed. The problem is that they also add to indoor pollution by releasing harmful chemicals into your home’s atmosphere.
Some of these chemicals include ozone (which is known for its ability to irritate the eyes, nose, and throat), carbon monoxide (which can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness), and nitrogen oxides (which can cause asthma attacks). In addition, many air conditioners use Freon R-22 as a refrigerant, which is considered an ozone-depleting chemical (ODC). The EPA has banned the use of ODCs because they destroy ozone in our upper atmosphere – something that protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun.
How Can We Combat the Harmful Effects of Air Conditioners on Our Environment?
The best way to combat the harmful effects of air conditioners on our environment is to use them properly. The first step is to make sure you’re using the right size air conditioner. If you have an older unit, consider replacing it with a newer model that uses less power.
Newer models also tend to be more energy-efficient than older ones. So if you’re looking for a new air conditioner and want one that won’t have as much of an impact on your energy bill or the environment, look for one with an Energy Star label or another certification from an independent agency such as Consumer Reports.
Another important tip is to keep your filter clean. This will help reduce dust and other particles in your home, keeping your system running smoothly without working too hard—and that means less energy use overall.
Finally, if possible, don’t leave your AC on all day long—even when it’s hot outside. Instead, set it up to only turn on when the temperature outside rises above a certain level (like 80 degrees).
How Much Does AC Affect Global Warming?
AC can affect global warming in a few different ways. The first is CO2 emissions. When you use an air conditioner, it uses electricity to cool your home or office. That electricity is usually generated by burning fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The second way AC affects global warming is by reducing the demand for natural gas heating during the winter months. Natural gas heating produces methane gas, contributing to climate change.
Contact the Best Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair Company
BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair is the Las Vegas HVAC company you can rely on for reliable plumbing services. Our award-winning techs are EPA certified and have taken extra training to ensure they can provide our customers with high-quality work. We’re BBB accredited and have an A+ rating, so you can trust us to stand behind our work.
We provide professional services on furnaces, boilers and heat pumps. We also provide indoor air quality solutions, garbage disposal service, hot water tanks and oil burners, and ductless mini-splits. With our rich experience in the mechanical industry, we do work unparalleled by other competitors in our industry. We invite you to contact us today if you need heating or cooling repairs or other plumbing work done right the first time.
