Air conditioning cools indoor air by blowing it over a set of cold pipes (an evaporator coil) filled with a coolant. This coolant turns from a liquid to a gas as it absorbs heat.
The cooled air is then pushed into your home through ductwork. Air conditioners consume energy and produce carbon dioxide, so choosing a model with the ENERGY STAR label optimizes electricity savings and reduces environmental impact. Read on Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for more details.
Air conditioning consumes a significant amount of electricity, but there are several ways homeowners can minimize its electricity usage and related costs. Optimizing AC controls, addressing physical factors like furniture layout and shading windows, and choosing energy-efficient models can help homeowners make significant savings on their cooling bills.
While many homeowners are familiar with the benefits of air conditioning, they may not be aware of how much energy the technology uses or the impact it has on their energy consumption and costs. In fact, the demand for air conditioning represents a significant percentage of overall electricity consumption worldwide, with energy use increasing as income levels rise and temperatures increase.
The energy required to operate air conditioners is largely due to the refrigeration cycle, which uses a mixture of refrigerants to remove heat from the interior. While older air conditioning units relied on Freon, newer models utilize a more environmentally friendly mix of refrigerants. These models also feature enhanced insulation and more efficient compressors, enabling them to deliver the same cooling power with less energy.
One of the biggest contributors to a home’s electricity usage is its HVAC system, with air conditioning making up nearly 70% of summer energy expenses and 12% of yearly energy expenditures. By performing regular maintenance and choosing ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioners, homeowners can improve the efficiency of their AC systems to significantly reduce its energy consumption and associated costs.
Leaving your AC set to a higher temperature when you are away from home can lead to greater electricity savings than simply turning it off. According to research from PBS NewsHour, allowing the house to warm up while you’re gone and then cooling it down upon return can use a fraction of the energy that it takes to maintain a constant cool temperature.
Using smart air conditioning technology to control the system from a smartphone or tablet can further enhance energy efficiency, allowing you to avoid cooling an empty house and scheduling AC cycles based on occupancy and peak energy prices. In addition, modern air conditioners utilize advanced refrigerants with lower global warming potential, further minimizing their environmental impacts.
Reduced Risk of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s temperature reaches the point where it damages the brain and other organs. While the body typically cools itself by sweating, sometimes this is not enough to prevent high body temperatures. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Even a few hours per day in air-conditioned conditions dramatically reduces the risk of heat stroke. It is also important to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, avoid sunburn and use fans to increase ventilation. In addition, check on the elderly or those who are homebound and make sure they have access to cooling centers during periods of intense summer heat.
If you suspect someone has heat stroke, immediately get them to a cool place, take their temperature (rectally), and immerse them in a cool bath or shower. Have them drink water or fluids with electrolytes every 15 minutes until their symptoms subside. In severe cases, call 9-1-1.
Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are at an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses. Athletes who train or compete outdoors and people living in poorly insulated housing are also at higher risk.
Heat related deaths and illnesses can be prevented by planning ahead, taking steps to minimize exposure, and making smart lifestyle choices, such as balancing time spent indoors with outdoor activities. A cooler environment also helps people sleep better, since our bodies require a lower temperature for optimal rest.
It is also essential to recognize the symptoms of heat stress, including weakness, nausea, headache, heavy sweating and fatigue. These are warning signs that it’s time to stop exercising or working in extreme heat, find a cool place and rest.
Reduced Risk of Dehydration
Air conditioning is a popular cooling solution, and it can offer health benefits. However, it is important to use it properly and understand the risks involved. The most common concern is dehydration, which is caused by the loss of body fluids. This is because air conditioning reduces indoor humidity levels, which causes water to evaporate faster from the skin and respiratory tract. Drinking plenty of water and taking breaks from air conditioning can help prevent dehydration.
Dehydration cases tend to spike twice a year, in the summer due to high heat and humidity and in the winter from very dry indoor air. Elderly people are at an increased risk of dehydration, as they may lose their sense of thirst. In addition, some medications can cause the urine to turn dark, which can be a sign of dehydration. Keeping a water bottle handy, and eating fruits and vegetables with high moisture content can also help prevent dehydration.
Besides drinking water, you can add some fun to your hydration routine by adding some fruit juice or herbal teas to your daily diet. You can also try using a humidifier to counteract the drying effects of your air conditioner and increase the amount of moisture in the air.
When you are seated in front of the air conditioner for long periods, make sure to move around occasionally and keep your eyes closed when possible to prevent the drying effect from getting worse. You can also keep a water bottle on hand to help you stay hydrated and avoid dehydration, especially if you are working or playing outside in the heat of the day.
A baby who sleeps in an air-conditioned room for too long can become accustomed to the cool temperature and can develop a lack of natural sleeping patterns. This can lead to sleep problems and difficulty adjusting to different climates when travelling or moving between seasons. It can also affect the respiratory tract and make it harder to breathe, as babies have smaller respiratory areas and less surface area to take in oxygen. Using a fan in the room with your AC, keeping windows open, and using a humidifier can help reduce this risk.
Increased Comfort
Air conditioning offers a number of comfort benefits, from improved hygienic conditions and enhanced sleep quality to heightened cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. Its ability to cool and dehumidify the air, preventing the build-up of excess moisture, provides a comfortable environment that enhances living standards and contributes significantly to overall family well-being.
In addition, the efficient ventilation systems in modern air conditioners significantly reduce indoor pollution, fostering a healthier indoor environment prioritising respiratory health and general well-being. This is especially important for families with young children, as the development of babies and toddlers is influenced by environmental factors, including temperature and humidity levels.
Research has shown that a favourable sleeping environment can promote healthy brain development in children, contributing to their growth and learning capabilities. The ability of air conditioning to create a conducive sleeping environment can help ensure the best possible outcomes for children, promoting a healthy and positive emotional state throughout their lives.
The cooling capability of air conditioning also contributes to the comfort of household pets, ensuring that they experience a stress-free environment and a more hygienic living space. The effective temperature control and filtered air of modern air conditioning systems is also beneficial for elderly family members, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable indoor environment that promotes a sense of mental ease and wellbeing.
Achieving a comfortable indoor environment also contributes to heightened productivity, enhancing focus and concentration. This is particularly significant in working environments, where the favourable climate provided by air conditioning can directly improve performance and productivity.
Another frequently overlooked benefit of modern air conditioning is its pest prevention capabilities, preventing the infiltration of insects and rodents into indoor environments. Modern air conditioning systems, such as those offered by Point Bay Fuel, use advanced technology to minimise access points and provide a more secure, pest-free environment that enhances family comfort and bolsters security. This reflects the wider trend towards air conditioning solutions that prioritize smart technology and personalized climate management, utilising renewable energy sources to support sustainability goals.
