Air Conditioning in U.S. Households
In the U.S., approximately 75% of households depend on air conditioning to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. These systems are significant electricity consumers, accounting for about 6% of the nation’s total power usage, which costs homeowners roughly $29 billion in energy bills annually. Moreover, this extensive use of air conditioning has a considerable environmental impact, with an estimated 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly.
How Air Conditioners Work
Air conditioners operate on principles similar to refrigerators, moving heat from inside the home to the outside environment. An air conditioning system comprises two main components: the indoor unit, which includes an evaporator coil that cools the indoor air, and the outdoor unit, which contains a condenser coil to release heat into the outside air.
Components and Function
A compressor circulates a refrigerant between these coils. The refrigerant absorbs heat as it evaporates in the evaporator coil, cooling the indoor air. It is then compressed and transported to the condenser coil outside, releasing the absorbed heat and condensing back into a liquid state.
Evolution of Refrigerants
In the past, air conditioners commonly used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as refrigerants. However, due to their ozone-depleting effects, the U.S. banned CFC production in 1995. Subsequent refrigerants, including halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have also been targeted for phase-out, with HCFC-22 being completely banned in 2020.
Transition to Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants
The industry is moving towards using environmentally friendly refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and alternatives like ammonia, which do not damage the ozone layer. These newer refrigerants are anticipated to become more prevalent in the cooling market.
D-N-D Services Heating & Air Conditioning is the premier choice for HVAC services in Rockwall. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose D-N-D Services Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your HVAC needs in Rockwall.
