Effect and the Use of Air Conditioners
The use of air conditioners at full blast is responsible for nearly half of the energy consumed worldwide. That’s a significant contribution to global warming. And while this energy use is similar across the United States, some regions are more prone to global warming than others. However, a synthesis of the available data shows that air conditioning is a big contributor to global warming. In the United States, the largest share of energy consumed by air conditioners is in cities, where AC use is particularly high.
The process of greenhouse air conditioner is quite complex, but it can be explained by its function. Air conditioners transmit air using electric coils and a pump. The condenser moves hot air outdoors, while the evaporator pushes cool air inside. Air conditioning systems are filled with refrigerant, which is converted from gas to liquid, which in turn contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. So, how can we address the problem of air conditioning and global warming?
The liquid refrigerant used in air conditioners was chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and was eventually discovered to be responsible for the formation of greenhouse gases. After discovering the harmful effects of CFCs, U.S. manufacturers began to replace CFCs with halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Despite the lower impact on the ozone layer, HCFCs still emit greenhouse gases. To prevent further damage, the U.S. government is working on phasing out CFCs and replacing them with halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
The Greenhouse Effect and the Use of Air Conditioners
To limit the global emissions from air conditioners, governments must make them more efficient. While most people will not pay more to purchase more efficient air conditioners, government policy can help. And it is important to realize that the more efficient air conditioners we use, the more we strain the world’s electricity system. To combat this, we need to use clean energy sources. A smart grid can integrate sensors, software, and control systems that can minimize AC usage when not needed.
Despite all the benefits of energy-efficient air conditioners, their use has a negative impact on climate change. In the UK, air conditioning has already become common in many buildings, and temperatures have already risen up to 20C. Researchers have found that the impact of climate change on air conditioners is quite substantial, especially in emerging countries. To combat this, the Daikin Group has dedicated itself to finding solutions that reduce emissions.
While the use of air conditioners is increasing in the United States, its carbon dioxide emissions will continue to increase. According to recent research, global AC unit efficiency will continue to rise as the world’s population increases. As more people switch on air conditioners to escape scorching heat, our carbon dioxide emissions will increase. As a result, temperatures will continue to rise. And that’s just the start. So the need for cleaner air is urgent.
While AC usage is growing across the world, it’s not clear if they will have an immediate effect on climate change. But one thing is clear: air conditioning has a huge impact on energy consumption and emissions. By the year 2050, air conditioning will make up 45% of peak electricity demand in the developing world. The IEA predicts that air conditioning’s electricity consumption will triple worldwide by 2050, as the middle class expands.