Energy Efficient Cooling and Air Conditioning Tips
Air cooling and conditioning is among the most significant inventions of our time. They helped make wartime and summer blockbusters and other equipment possible.
However cooling puts a huge burden on electrical systems and causes huge quantities of pollution. This particular IEA report raises awareness about the negative impact of this demand, and provides solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing an air conditioner energy efficiency is a crucial aspect. Upgrade to an efficient air conditioner and save money on energy bills and also reduce the environmental impact. The energy efficiency of air conditioners is evaluated in a variety of ways that include SEER and EER. These ratings indicate how the air conditioner is able to cool using a specific amount of electricity. The higher the rating is, the more efficient the unit. You can locate a system’s SEER rating on its yellow Energy Guide label or by searching for “SEER ratings” online.
If you are in the market for an air conditioner for the first time look for one that has a high rating. This rating indicates how well the unit will perform in normal conditions. A higher SEER rating could reduce your energy costs and consumption when replacing an older model.
Air conditioning systems can be affected by other causes as well. High indoor humidity, insufficient maintenance and leaks in ducts, for instance, could all cause your system to perform more efficiently and consume more energy. Routine maintenance and sealing leaks in ducts are simple ways to increase the energy efficiency of your system.
Large commercial cooling systems come with their own energy efficiency considerations as well. These systems make use of a combination of split or packaged compressors as well as massive pipe networks to distribute cooling throughout the building. These systems could also incorporate steam systems that require specific maintenance to keep the pipes from becoming blocked.
Additionally, many of these large systems are controlled by something called a Building Automation System (BAS) that integrates all heating and cooling systems of the building into one centralized system. Verde has assisted in optimizing the efficiency of the systems by offering retrocommissioning recommendations that provide quick paybacks.
The global effort to curb the impact of climate change is largely dependent on energy efficiency in cooling and air-conditioning. We must ensure that cooling appliances are efficient and that consumers are demanding these appliances. In the meantime, we can take other steps to cut down on our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Indoor Air Quality
A lot of people spend the majority of their lives in buildings and these structures could be a major health risk in the event that the indoor air quality is poor. There are a variety of ways to improve IAQ and avoid common ailments like allergies, asthma, fatigue, etc.
Particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide are the three most common sources for pollution in modern homes and offices. These pollutants can be released into the atmosphere through a variety of actions such as cooking, cleaning and smoking. They can trigger respiratory issues and allergies.
A high level of humidity can also create havoc on the quality of air. Mold and mildew can grow in moist air, which can lead to respiratory issues. Monitoring humidity and keeping the moisture level low is essential to avoid these problems. The best way to accomplish this is to regularly dust and vacuuming, washing furniture and bedding, and using an air dehumidifier and humidifier if needed based on the readings of a hygrometer.
Apart from the obvious health benefits as well as the obvious health benefits, improving IAQ can increase comfort in the home. A home with high levels of air pollutants such as radon, for instance, can smell musty. It can also trigger itchy skin, irritated eyes, and a stuffy feeling. Installing an air purifier as well as maintaining the HVAC system can help avoid these issues. Also, make sure that you open your windows and doors for ventilation whenever you need to.
The signs of poor air quality can be varied and can include headaches, difficulty in concentrating, and a general feeling of malaise. The symptoms can resolve when you leave the room however, prolonged exposure to poor air quality could exacerbate existing health issues or even trigger serious illnesses.
Ventilation is the primary aspect that influences IAQ. This is affected by the weather, occupancy rate of the room, and the design. However, simple steps can be taken to enhance IAQ, including introduction of plants into the house and opening doors and windows whenever possible, and ensuring that the HVAC system is functioning effectively. If you’d prefer a more thorough approach, it is suggested to consult a Comfort Specialist regarding an assessment of indoor air quality.
Smoke Pollution
Heat pumps and central air conditioning systems are effective at removing biological pollutants such as bacteria, molds, pet dander and pollen. However, they do not remove smoke particles. Smoke from wildfires is a source of microscopic particles which can cause symptoms such as burning or itchy eyes, congestion, runny nasal and coughing. They can also irritate your lungs and cause worsening of chronic heart and lung conditions. The invisible fine particles in smoke can get stuck in your lung, triggering a myriad of health issues, including worsened asthma, bronchitis and damage to your lungs and heart.
The smoke blanketing New York City this week has been caused by forest fires in Canada and is causing hazardous air quality conditions across much of the northern US and southern Canada. The dense smoky haze reduces visibility and creates respiratory stress for anyone who must be outdoors.
There is no way to keep smoke from getting into your home through doors and windows, especially in older homes that have a lot of cracks and drafts. However you can take steps to minimize the amount of smoke that enters your building.
Keep all windows and doors closed when it is smoky outside. This can cut the amount of smoky air by 30 percent. Place wet towels in the cracks and around door frames to slow down the flow of smoke.
If your HVAC system is in a recirculation mode, be sure to turn off the recirculation mode during smoke conditions. This will allow the system eliminate the smoke outside, rather than the air being recirculated inside. If your building has ducts connecting to areas where contaminants are likely to be high, like parking garages or loading docks it is important to ensure that the ducts are separated from the rest.
The EPA recommends changing your HVAC filters more frequently during times of smoke to ensure that they are effective in eliminating the toxins from the air inside. Select a filter with a minimum reporting value (MERV) that is 13 or greater. These filters are designed to remove gaseous air pollution and smoke.
Supercooling
Supercooling is a green trend that has become more popular in recent years. It’s based on the idea that electricity isn’t priced the same amount at any given time of the day. Most power companies offer “time of use” plans that have different peak and offpeak rates. Supercooling allows homeowners to pre-cool their homes at off-peak times so that they don’t have to run their air conditioners during the high-cost summer peak times.
This method requires an automatic thermostat that can be programmed. Even with this, homeowners still need to examine their patterns of usage of electricity to determine when their air conditioner is the most efficient. Many homeowners save around 25% or more on their energy bills through this method.
To supercool the home, the homeowner should set their AC to a lower temperature the next morning and keep it there for a few more hours. This cools the walls, floors, furniture, and fixtures of the house as well as the air inside. When energy costs are high homeowners, they increase the temperature of the air conditioner, and leave it running until the next time it’s turned off.
This strategy works because cooling isn’t only about making the air inside the house cool. It is essential to stop heat from entering your home through your windows, doors and other points that leak. It’s important that homeowners double-check the insulation of their home and cover any drafty or leaky areas. They should also use window shades to block the sun’s rays particularly in areas that get bright direct sunlight in the hottest hours of the daytime. Additionally, they should make sure that all doors and windows are sealed tightly to prevent air from escaping during cooling cycles. Also, they should consider using smart thermostats to assist them in ensuring that they start and stop cooling at the most optimal times of the day. This helps homeowners cut their energy costs without worrying about forgetting when to turn off or on the system.
