basics on air conditioning
Air conditioning is responsible for many billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Since most people need their air conditioners at the same time, the high peak consumption of some summer days leads to the construction of power plants otherwise unnecessary: dozens of power plants are built all over the world just to respond to air conditioning uses.
But contrarily to what happens with our heating systems, which can’t be easily replaced, there are good alternatives to air conditioning as well as good ways of lowering their consumption and your cooling bills.
See: Alternatives to air conditioners
Types of air conditioners
Central air conditioning systems (both packaged and split systems) are being challenged by ductless split systems and room/window air conditioners. These types of air conditioning systems are excellent alternatives to central AC.
As to portable air conditioners, though popular, they should be mostly viewed as supplemental devices for sporadic cooling needs.
See:
Types of air conditioning
Ductless air conditioners
Room air conditioners
Portable Air Conditioners
Lowering air conditioning bills
There are many ways of lowering your air conditioning bills.
See: Lowering AC bills
Room and Portable air conditioners
If you need an air conditioner, prefer a qualified room unit, or a ductless split system. These types of air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than central units.
Most people do not need to cool the whole house, making room air conditioning a better option.
See: Room air conditioners and Portable Air Conditioners
Ductless (Mini-Splits) air conditioners
Ducts associated with central forced-air systems are often responsible for significant losses, making ductless air conditioning preferable. Besides, ductless systems also provide dedicated units to each space, making easier to restrict the use of the equipment to the needs of specific rooms.
See: Ductless air conditioners
AC Cleaning, Failures and regular maintenance
Replacing or cleaning AC filters, and cleaning the coils and the blower can cut your cooling bills very significantly.
Professional maintenance ensures adequate refrigerant charge, airflow, cleaned coils or non-leaking AC ducts which is crucial to get higher energy performance from your AC system and lower bills.
See:
AC failures and improper operation
AC Maintenance
Professional Technician Services
AC Manufacturers
Outdoor Coils Cleaning
Indoor Coils Cleaning
Blower Cleaning
Room air conditioner maintenance
Sizing and Installation
Oversized AC systems are very common, and a cause of low performance and higher cooling costs. AC installation is very important.
See:
Sizing Air Conditioning
AC installation
New high-rated air conditioner
If you need conventional air conditioning, buy new high-rated equipment, with a fan-only option and replaceable filters. It will provide huge savings.
See: High-rated Air Conditioners
Building a new house and air conditioning
In most climates, a well designed house - involving passive solar principles and adequate insulation and high energy-efficient windows and doors – will never need a central air conditioning system.
Take that into account, if you are planning to build a new home.
Air conditioners and heat pumps
Heat pumps and air conditioners are very alike in their technology, but there is a small-big detail that can make heat pumps, namely geothermal heat pumps, an interesting alternative to air conditioners: electric savings...
See: Air conditioners vs. Heat pumps.
Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a key element to get air conditioning savings.
See: Thermostats basics
Air conditioners, manufacturers and Professional Service
See: AC Manufacturers and Professional AC Technician Services