When it comes to air conditioning, portable air conditioning units can be a convenient option for those who need to cool a single room or space. However, they can be less energy-efficient than other types of air conditioning systems unless you choose the right system. The wrong system can have negative impacts on both the environment and your wallet.
To ensure that your mobile air conditioning is as energy-efficient as possible, it’s important to choose a unit that has a High Energy Star Rating and uses a low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant. Look for units that use refrigerants such as R-32, R-290 , or R-600a, which have much lower GWP and ozone depletion potential (ODP) than older refrigerants like R-22.
What is the big deal with Refrigeration Coolants?
Refrigeration coolants, also known as refrigerants, have a significant environmental impact due to their contribution to global warming and ozone depletion. Many older refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have been phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. However, some newer refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), while not harmful to the ozone layer, have a high global warming potential (GWP) and can contribute to climate change.
Although HFC’s are much less abundant than carbon dioxide, they are many hundreds to thousands of times more harmful per equivalent mass. It is estimated that replacing HFC’s with lower carbon alternatives could reduce global warming by 2050 of 0.1 degrees
When refrigerants leak from cooling systems or are improperly disposed of, they can have a negative impact on the environment. To mitigate this impact, it is important to properly maintain refrigeration systems, recover and recycle refrigerants during servicing, and choose air conditioning systems with low GWP when possible.
High energy star rating
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/what-does-the-new-energy-label-mean-for-you-and-your-home-aO4486G5DiYq
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Low Global Warming Potential
https://www.fluorocarbons.org/environment/climate-change/transition-to-lower-gwp-refrigerants/
HFC Carbon Impacts
https://www.ccacoalition.org/fr/slcps/hydrofluorocarbons-hfcs#:~:text=HFCs%20are%20potent%20greenhouse%20gases,C%20of%20warming%20by%202050
Cost implications of different air conditioning
Another option for energy-efficient air conditioning is to use a ground-source heat pump, which uses the stable temperature of the earth as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. This can greatly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These systems involve considerable investment and are whole building approaches. If you are looking for a system for a small office or home office during hotter periods then a portable air conditioning unit using low impact coolants maybe the way forward. In the UK, really hot weather is infrequent so its advisable to use natural ventilation and cooling as much as possible
Taking steps to reduce the need for air conditioning in the first place. Designing both commercial and domestic buildings with passive cooling features, using high-efficiency lighting and appliances, and promoting energy conservation habits can all help to lower energy consumption and reduce the need for air conditioning.
For more information on portable air conditioning units and energy-efficient air conditioning, check out the Energy Star website which provide valuable information on energy efficiency and environmental impact.
https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling
Overall, by choosing an energy-efficient air conditioning unit and taking steps to reduce the need for air conditioning, you can help to lower your environmental impact and save money on your energy bills. If you are looking for affordable, high quality, portable air conditioning units for the home or office, please get in touch and one of our experts will be happy to explain just how simple they are to use.
Consider the Pinguino PAC N82 for maximum comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental kindness. It offers a near-silent technology ensures a great air conditioning experience. The PAC N82 uses R290 refrigeration gas, which is up to 696 times more environmentally friendly than traditional gases.
Air Conditioning Systems
https://www.intelligenthanddryers.com/air-care-c27/air-conditioning-portable-c106
