HVAC Energy Efficiency And How It Impacts Climate Change
The HVAC industry continuously works to improve technology, which helps to increase the energy efficiency of HVAC systems in residential and commercial properties across the world. These technological advances allow users to save energy. In addition, these advances are eco-friendly, which means that there is a reduced impact on overall climate change.
Energy-Saving Heating and Cooling Technology
As the heating and cooling industry attempts to enhance the energy efficiency of HVAC units, homeowners will be able to buy units that will increase energy savings by ultra-high efficiency ratings. HVAC units with the ENERGY STAR rating will be available with the SEER rating (aka seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of up to 27.5 for standard central air conditions, as much as 33.1 SEER rating for ductless units, and HSPF ratings (aka heating seasonal performance factor) for up to 13.5 for heat pumps. Heating systems and furnaces are available with AFUE ratings (aka annual fuel utilization efficiency) up to 98.6.
The high energy efficiency ratings that are provided by brand-new HVAC units mean the systems use their source of fuel more efficiently, which means that they consume less gas or electricity. Higher efficiency units will generate more energy savings for users, which helps to reduce utility bills and the associated costs for operation.
How Climate Change Is Affected By HVAC Energy Efficiency
Higher energy efficiency ratings of HVAC equipment are definitely working to reduce the impact that they have on climate change. Less fuel is consumed when a more efficient use of heating and cool fuel. As a result, the direct carbon emissions that affect climate change are reduced and the carbon emissions that are associated with fossil fuels and electricity production are also reduced. With roughly half of a home or building’s consumption of energy coming from heating and cooling use, conserving energy through an HVAC system is particularly impactful for not just energy savings, but also for the environment and bringing climate change to a standstill.
The impact that HVAC systems can have on climate change is also be limited by refrigerant evolution. R-22 is being phased out for R-410A, which is a more eco-friendly refrigerant, and homeowners can expect to see energy savings. R410-A refrigerant is better for the environment overall and does less damage to the ozone layer—which can help to protect the Earth against UV radiation. In addition, the eco-friendly refrigerant is far more energy-efficient, which can assist cooling systems use electricity more efficiently for more energy savings.
R-22 refrigerant that has been used in HVAC units that were manufactured prior to the phaseout, which will finalize this year in 2019, is considered a HCFC refrigerant—which just means that it is composed of Hydrogen, Carbon, Fluorine, and Chlorine. The EPA concluded that this particular type of refrigerant was dangerous to the ozone layer and was associated with climate change. Emissions from R-22 can leak into the atmosphere from HVAC units via refrigerant leaks. HCFC materials have the ability to deplete the Earth’s ozone layer and have been known to contribute to the current ozone hole that is over the South Pole.
Talk to Us About Increasing Your Energy Savings
If you are interested in upgrading your HVAC system for energy efficiency reasons, give us a call at Air Degree to help you make an informed decision.
