Are you looking for an HVAC system with a low environmental impact to meet your cooling needs in a greener way? If so, this one’s for you! We’ll look at three different AC systems —conventional systems, heat pumps, and ductless mini splits. Energy efficiency ratings are just one way to gauge how friendly your AC is to the planet. It’s also important to consider greenhouse gas emissions and useful life (since old cooling systems end up in the landfill).
At DTC Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re committed to finding eco-friendly AC solutions that help you reduce your carbon footprint. To that end, let’s take a closer look at the environmental aspects of different high-performing AC systems.
Conventional Systems Are the Least Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions
The refrigerant inside conventional AC systems circulates between an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser. While refrigerants absorb heat from the indoor air and release it outside, they use a lot of electricity and release harmful gasses into the atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, conventional ACs account for 6% of the U.S. electrical consumption. Many of these systems use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), two quintessential greenhouse gasses largely responsible for climate change. If you want a more efficient way to cool your home without warming the earth, consider heat pumps or ductless mini-splits.
Energy-efficient Heat Pumps Have a Low Environmental Impact
Heat pumps are a great alternative to conventional AC systems. They move heat from one place to another. This takes less energy than producing heat. In the summer, heat pumps cool by moving heat from inside your home outdoors. In the winter, they pull warm air from outside into your home to warm it. In general, heat pumps use less electricity, release fewer greenhouse gasses, and provide heating and cooling year-round.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce electrical consumption by up to 50%. Also, refrigerants in heat pumps have less impact on global warming than HFCs or CFCs. Many heat pumps use carbon dioxide (CO2), which is far less harmful to the environment.
Ductless Mini Splits Are an Energy-Saving Cooling Solution
Ductless mini-splits provide efficient cooling and heating for your home. Ductless ACs consist of outdoor and indoor units connected by pipes. The unique setup requires no ductwork and gives you the ability to customize the temperatures in different rooms.
Ductless mini-splits use less electricity and have some of the same advantages as heat pumps. They’re easier to install, bypassing ductwork to avoid energy losses. According to Energy.gov, ductless mini-splits are more efficient and cheaper to install than conventional AC systems. Additionally, these systems have filters that can remove dust, pollen, bacteria, and other pollutants from the indoor air.
Which AC System Should You Choose?
Conventional AC systems are the most energy-intensive and polluting option, while heat pumps and ductless mini splits are more eco-friendly. If you are looking for a new AC system for your home, we recommend choosing a heat pump or a ductless mini split that has a high energy efficiency rating (EER or SEER), uses an efficient refrigerant (such as CO2), and meets your cooling and heating needs.
Every home is different, and if you decide to go with conventional AC, our team will help you find the best cooling products with a low environmental impact. Contact DTC Air Conditioning & Heating to find energy-efficient AC’s in Georgetown and the surrounding communities.
