Central Air Conditioning and the Environment

Posted: July 15, 2024

Electric Use Creates Emissions Too

It’s no surprise that central air conditioning systems consume a substantial chunk of the total energy consumed in a typical Delaware Valley home, especially during hot summer weather. Unfortunately, high electrical use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if the electricity used in your home is generated from natural gas or coal power plants.

The good news is that the HVAC industry is always evolving to meet changes in technology, regulations and environmental impact. One of those major changes is the R410-A refrigerant phase out, and the adoption of new refrigerant standards.

Phasing Out R-410A Refrigerant

Refrigerant is an essential part of your HVAC system’s operations. Without it, your system can’t cool down your home.

Many of today’s central air conditioning systems use R-410A refrigerant, although we’re still replacing central air conditioning systems that use an even older, phased out refrigerant called R-22. This a hydrochlorofluorocarbon that harms the ozone layer.

Although R-410A was a big improvement over R-22, it is now scheduled to be phased out because more eco-friendly refrigerants are now available. As part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, R-410A cannot be used in new central air conditioning systems starting on January 1, 2025. However, existing R-410A equipment is still safe and legal to use, and this phase-out will not affect current operating systems.

R410-A will be replaced by A2L refrigerants, which are a class of refrigerants that have higher efficiency and lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). The two foremost R410A replacements are R-32 and R-454B.

What You Can Do to Reduce the Impact

While older central air conditioning systems can negatively affect the environment, there are actions you can take that will help to mitigate these effects until you’re ready to invest in a new cooling system.

• Get annual maintenance. Scheduling yearly maintenance service for your central air conditioning unit can ensure it runs at peak efficiency. This will also lower the chance of expensive breakdowns. To make it easier and more economical, Wilson Oil and Propane offers Air Conditioning Service Plans that include an annual cooling tune-up, repair coverage and more.
• Use alternative cooling methods: Consider using ceiling fans, natural ventilation, or shading devices to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Air Conditioning Service in Glen Mills, PA and Beyond

The best thing you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your central air conditioning system is to upgrade to a new, high-efficiency cooling system. Today’s high efficiency systems are as much as 60% more efficient than the models of yesteryear. This will drastically lower your utility bills. And that’s why the purchase of a new system is an investment with a return, not just an expense.

But like any investment, you need to do research to make sure you make smart decisions. Here are some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen people make when they purchase a new central air conditioning system

• Overspending on efficiency. Sometimes it makes sense to spend extra for an ultra-high-efficiency system. Sometimes it is not worth the cost. It depends on your total usage and the trade-off between up-front cost and energy savings.
• Choosing the wrong contractor. It’s not the equipment but the quality of the installation that makes the biggest difference. You can invest in the best system in the world, but if your contractor installs it improperly, you will not get the comfort and savings you paid for. What’s more, it can be a nightmare to try to get some contractors to stand behind what they sell.
• Not understanding all the options. The cooling experts at Wilson Oil and Propane can give you different options for your budget and physical space. If you have more choices and good guidance, you are much more likely to enjoy affordable, cool comfort for years to come.

Please contact us to learn more about what you can expect from your A/C installation in southeast Pennsylvania and other communities in our service area. We will be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your new central air conditioning system. We install all major cooling system brands, from traditional central air conditioning units to high efficiency mini-split ductless systems for more targeted comfort.