Air conditioning is often associated with high energy use, but newer units are more efficient, and the source of your electricity plays a significant role in determining your carbon footprint. As the world grapples with the climate crisis, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to extreme weather conditions is essential.
Air conditioning can help with the latter, but its high energy consumption is a concern. However, modern air conditioning units are more efficient, and if you’re using a 100% renewable tariff or generating your own electricity, your aircon isn’t powered by gas.
Efficient Air Conditioning Units
The energy mix that makes up your electricity varies depending on the time of day. At lunchtime, most mains electricity comes from renewables, but during peak hours, gas-fired power plants are used more frequently. To minimize your carbon footprint, using air conditioning sparingly, such as during hot nights, is necessary.
Running aircon can be expensive, with costs ranging from pennies for a fan to pounds for air conditioning.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation process for air conditioning units can be relatively smooth, with some companies, like BOXT, offering remote surveys and competitive quotes. Their technicians are knowledgeable, and the installation process typically takes only half a day.
When using air conditioning, considering the climate impact of the device itself, including the embedded carbon in its production, is necessary. Choosing a high-quality unit that’s built to last and using it sparingly can help mitigate this impact.
BOXT’s approach to building design techniques makes their installation process efficient. Ultimately, air conditioning can be a necessary luxury for some, particularly vulnerable individuals, and its climate impact can be reduced with a renewable tariff.
By adapting to extreme temperatures and reducing carbon emissions, we can work towards a more sustainable future. As the world continues to grapple with the climate crisis, it’s clear that air conditioning can play a role in helping us adapt to extreme weather conditions, as long as we’re mindful of its energy consumption and take steps to reduce its climate impact.
They must be mindful of energy consumption.
