Green Air Conditioning

1. Air Conditioning and the environment

Air conditioning systems provide a significant level of indoor comfort, making possible optimum working and living conditions in the most extreme climates. In recent years, motivated by a global awareness of the need to reduce the burdens on the environment, some manufacturers have invested enormous efforts in limiting the negative effects associated with the production and the operation of air conditioners. Hence, models with energy saving features and improved eco-production techniques have seen the light of day, making a significant contribution to limiting the impact on the environment.

2. R-410A Refrigerant

The term “refrigerant” refers to any Class II substance used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system. Refrigerant is the gas used to heat or cool the air in heat pumps and air conditioners. Without refrigerant, these appliances would operate only as fans. Most residential air conditioners and heat pumps rely on hydrochloroflurocarbons, or HCFCs, for this purpose. The one most often used is called HCFC-22, or R-22, known as Freon®. About 10 years ago, the US federal Clean Air Act was amended to begin a mandatory phase out of the production and use of many ozone-depleting substances, including R-22 which is found in vehicle air conditioning. Products using R-22 will be phased out by Jan. 1, 2010, and a total ban on production and importation becomes effective in 2020.

Puron® is a brand name for a refrigerant called R-410A. R-410A is the leading candidate for replacing R-22 in commercial and industrial air conditioners. R-22 has been the industry standard for air conditioning applications over the years, but has also been know for containing harmful CFC’s that contributes to ozone depletion. R-410A is currently the leading non-ozone depleting replacement for HCFC-22 in unitized air conditioning systems for residential and light commercial units.

Several air conditioning and heat pump manufacturers are starting to use R410A refrigerant in their products because it’s reported to be non-flammable, generally viewed as nontoxic, and has less impact on atmospheric ozone. R-22 units are still available, however, as of 2010, the availability of R-22 will diminish significantly.

Ask one of our Project managers for more info about R410a A/C’s.

3. Intelligent Inverter Compressors

Inverter air conditioners use new generation compressor technology. Inverter air conditioners are more powerful and more energy efficient than conventional, non-inverter models. Conventional air conditioners operate at a fixed speed, delivering a fixed amount of cooling and heating – causing sharp peaks and dips in electricity demand. While trying to maintain a set temperature they operate on a ‘stop/start’ principle. The non-inverter compressor either operates at 100% capacity when running or at 0% when off – much like that of a lamp.

Inverter compressor technology reduces start-up time by 33% and allows the compressor to consume only the power it actually needs to meet the required cooling or heating level. Linking the use of inverter technology to DC compressor motors dramatically improves energy efficiency. It works like the accelerator of a car, gently increasing or decreasing power. It reaches the desired temperature quicker and steadily maintains it without wild fluctuations. An inverter unit will gradually increase the compressor speed based on the capacity needed to cool down or heat up the room, resulting in uninterrupted comfort and significant energy savings.

4. Advantages of the Inverter compressor technology

• Energy Saving – After the indoor temperature approaches the required level, Inverter Control adjusts to low capacity operation to maintain this temperature. This makes inverter models more energy-saving than non-inverter models, which must repeatedly start or stop their compressors to maintain the room temperature.
• Start-up time is reduced by one-third (compared to normal non-inverter units).
• Reduces the energy consumption by one-third (compared to normal on/off units).
• Powerful – The system operates at the required capacity, delivering the amount of cooling or heating to maintain the desired comfort condition. Inverter air conditioners operate at maximum capacity as soon as they start up. As a result, the set temperature can be reached more quickly.
• Increased Comfort – Inverter air conditioners results in higher comfort levels because temperature levels don’t fluctuate as much compared to non-inverter units