Earth Day awakens during the month of April, on its 22^nd day, riding springtime’s fresh ambitions and expectations for an environmentally better year. It is also a great time of year to consider switching to an eco-friendly air-conditioner and energy-efficient HVAC system.

Air conditioners or air polluters? What role will they play in a world that, according to John Marshal, an environmental advocate, ‘will heat by more than 9 degrees Fahrenheit in your kid’s lifetime’?

The older air conditioners are notoriously known for their use of harmful refrigerants: Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) was the first refrigerant developed, then hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and lastly, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).

According to a Wikipedia article, the use of ozone-reducing CFCs was phased out in the 1980s. In the 1990s, there was still refrigerants that were found to contribute greatly to the earth’s warming, so, German research funded by the environmental organization Greenpeace, created a green ‘natural refrigerants hydrocarbon technology’ and allowed its worldwide usage during the 1990s, no patent required.

By the year 2000, the UK had banned the use of HCFC refrigerants, and in 2006 the EU developed a Regulation to adopt green, natural refrigerants (hydrocarbons).

Unfortunately, the US 1990s refusal to adopt the natural refrigerant formula meant it wouldn’t be until 2008, 4 years after a coalition between Greenpeace, Coca Cola, Unilever and Pepsico took steps to transition to the green hydrocarbon refrigerant in the US began.

Is there an eco-friendly air conditioner, HVAC unit available for the average Canadian?

The answer is yes, some companies have committed to manufacturing heating and cooling products that you can afford and feel good about installing. Earth approved.

As of 2020, air conditioners manufactured in the US have replaced HFC refrigerants with green hydrocarbon refrigerants. Replacing your older air conditioning systems, if money allows, is both energy saving and great for the world.

Air Conditioners use a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating system. Air conditioning units with a SEER rating over 14.5 have an Energy Star designation.

The higher the SEER number, the more energy-efficient the HVAC system is which means more savings on your energy bill and the best consideration for the environment.

Bryant Air Conditioners have multi-stage compressor options and SEER efficiency ratings from 13 to 21. Contact Plumbhouse Plumbing to find out more about these energy-efficient air conditioners that are best for the environment.

The Bryant Company was started 100 years ago in the US and now has a Canadian division; PlumbhousePlumbing.ca, is a certified ‘Bryant’ installer located in London, Ontario, serving London and the surrounding areas. As  professionals in the installation and servicing of air conditioners, their technicians and staff are able to help you determine the best option based on your house size and budget.

How to Reduce Cooling Requirements in Your Home and Business

• Keep your large trees and plant some more. Trees shade our houses, providing a natural cooling effect. When a tree’s leaves are heated by the sun, the water vapour produced during this transpiration cools the air below.

• Opt for new-build passive design houses. Choose a passive design house or a house builder that provides green considerations like proper insulation, house orientation, natural ventilation, and thermal mass, lessening your need for air conditioning.

• Wear summer clothes to work. Wearing short sleeves and shorts to work in the summer means air conditioners don’t need to be turned down as low as they might usually be.

• DIY or ask your handyman to update weather-stripping. Seal air gaps to allow your central air to run more efficiently.

• Invest in blinds and drapes. Installing blinds and drapery is an easy way to keep the afternoon heat from entering your rooms, especially if all you can do is cover your south exposure windows.

• Switch to LED bulbs. They do not give off heat.

It is important to work together to effect the improvements we want to see for our world. Contact our friendly staff at Plumbhouse to ask more about your air conditioner options.

Categorised in: cooling