How air conditioning is becoming more eco-friendly

Environmental friendliness has always been something of a hot topic when it comes to air conditioning (if you’ll pardon the pun). Many people associate air conditioning systems with heavy environmental impact, and in the case of the largest or oldest systems, that’s not an unfair assumption.

However, increasingly, modern air conditioning systems are becoming rapidly more environmentally friendly. We’re not just talking about the most groundbreaking, innovative systems, but also the run of the mill air conditioners installed in offices and homes around the nation. So what’s improved, exactly?

The technology is always improving

As you probably know already, air conditioners function by taking advantage of the natural scientific process of heat transfer. Usually, this involves energy-intensive compressors and ozone-damaging refrigerants, both of which were historically used very liberally and without much regard to the environment. However, in keeping with our growing societal concern for the environment, modern air conditioning manufacturers are using carefully sourced materials, and are hard at work making systems more sustainable than ever.

Most modern air conditioning systems are rated A for efficiency, and what’s more many of them no longer depend on refrigerants, making them automatically far more environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, companies who install, maintain and service air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump equipment have to, by law, have an F-Gas certificate from REFCOM. Essentially, this is to prove that they’re working within all legal requirements, including ensuring that any environmental impact is kept to an absolute minimum.

It’s worth remembering, too, that even the older air conditioning systems have always been better for the environment than electric heaters, fans, or most portable air conditioners, many of which are highly energy-intensive. And with both air con manufacturers and installers more aware of their environmental commitments than ever, we can expect to see the march of progress continue!

One of the most innovative recent air conditioning projects

As well as general advances in the technology, a number of specific projects in recent years are demonstrating new ways to harness science to keep us cool – and with any luck, in future they’ll be able to be rolled out on an industrial scale.

Take for example the invention of a team of researchers at the National University of Singapore. They pioneered a new water-based air conditioning system that’s capable of lowering temperatures to as low as 18^oC, without the use of compressors or refrigerants. Their machine is portable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and can even be customised for specific weather conditions – which means that potentially, it can be used just as well in the scorching climates of countries like Spain just as well as it can perform in milder British weather.

It also consumes 40% less electricity than even modern air conditioning, ultimately resulting in more than a 40% reduction in carbon emissions. On top of all that, it generates drinking water, which seems to go beyond scientific innovation to border on general smugness to us here at Askews. In all seriousness, the future’s looking bright for air conditioning, and cool for everyone else!

In fact, here at Askews we’ve made it our mission to ensure your air conditioning system is in top working order, so you and your employees can stay both comfortable and productive throughout the summer. You can click here to get a free quote, or give us a call on 01282 863 825 to book in your routine air-con service and maintenance today!

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