Air conditioning & Alternatives

Air-conditioning has a significant impact on CO2 generation and climate change: a typical home air conditioning system may cause the production of more than 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide per year.

If possible, do not install central air-conditioners or even other traditional types of air-conditioning. There are alternatives and home improvements that can make it dispensable.

However, if you must buy a central air-conditioning, consider a high rated equipment with an  high SEER, fan-only option and replaceable filters.

See, for details on high energy efficient air-conditioners:
High rated air conditioners

Ecologically, room and ductless air conditioning systems are also largely preferable to central air conditioning. And they also may reduce your energy bills.

See:
Room air conditioners
Ductless air conditioners

Central Air conditioning is dispensable

A well designed house - involving passive solar principles and adequate insulation and high energy-efficient windows and doors – will never need a central conventional air conditioning, even in harsher climates.

Obviously, dispensing central air conditioning in a harsh climate or in existing homes with deficient designs, or a bad solar orientation, isn't a so easy task. But there are several alternatives to central air conditioning, even considering a non-optimal or even a poor energy-designed home.

To save the planet (and money and energy) consider the right options to central air conditioning. They vary with climate and specific situations. See the list below, for those alternatives.
 

Alternatives to air conditioning

Equipments and devices

Heat pumps, namely ground heat pumps
Evaporative coolers (in dry climates)
Fans: whole house fans, ceiling fans, solar attic fans…
Awnings, drapes, shades (to windows and glazing), window films

Procedures or improvements involving the building

Insulation, namely attic insulation and wall insulation
Use of solar passive techniques
Natural ventilation
Roof materials and colors (bright white and shiny material)
Radiant barriers
Air leaks caulking and weather stripping
Energy-efficient lights
Shade trees, bushes and vines
Improvement of landscape
Isolation and replacement of heat-generating appliances
 

Room air conditioners

If you have to buy an air conditioning system, consider a ductless or a room air conditioning system.  A central air conditioning system will cool your whole house more efficiently, but most people do not need to cool the whole house - just, for instance, the living room and the bedroom at different times. And in this case, room air conditioning may be a better option, allowing high energy-savings since it can be operated only where you want the cool air,.

See: Room air conditioners

Ductless air conditioners

Ductless air conditioning is also preferable to central air conditioning, since ducts associated with central forced-air systems are often responsible for significant losses. Besides, ductless systems also provide dedicated units to each space, making easier to restrict the use of the equipment to the comfort needs of a specific room.

See, for details: Ductless air conditioners

See also:
High rated air conditioners
Room air conditioners
Heat pumps vs. Air Conditioners





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