Eco-responsible air conditioners: do they really exist?

With summer heatwaves becoming more and more frequent in Quebec, installing an air conditioner is no longer a luxury, it has become a necessity for many families. But faced with climate challenges, a question arises: can you air condition your home while respecting the environment?

The good news is yes. Air conditioners have come a long way in recent years and there are now truly greener options out there.

This article simply tells you how to recognize an eco-friendly system, what really matters, and how to make an informed choice for your home.

‍

Key points to remember

‍

• Environmentally friendly air conditioners exist thanks to to new technologies
• The efficiency rating (called SEER) tells you if your air conditioner consumes little or a lot of electricity
• In Canada, all new air conditioners must have a minimum rating of 14 since 2015
• The new gases used in air conditioners pollute three times less than before
• In Quebec, you can receive grants to buy an economical device

What is an eco-friendly air conditioner, really?

‍

An environmentally friendly air conditioner is not a magic device that consumes nothing and never pollutes. Rather, it is a system that reduces its impact on the planet. in three ways.

First, it consumes as little electricity as possible to freshen up your home. Imagine two cars making the same trip: one burns 10 liters of gas, the other only 6 liters. It's the same for air conditioners.

Then it uses modern gases that pollute less. All air conditioners contain a special gas that allows freshness to be transported. The new gases are much less harmful for the environment than those of 10 or 20 years ago.

Finally, a good system is one that is well-adjusted for your home. A device that is too powerful or too small will waste energy and last less time.

In Quebec, we have a big advantage: our electricity comes mainly from water (hydroelectric dams). This means that using an air conditioner here pollutes much less than elsewhere in the United States where electricity often comes from coal or natural gas.

‍

How to tell if an air conditioner uses little electricity

‍

It's simple: the more efficient an air conditioner is, the less expensive it costs you to operate. It's like an economical car versus one that drinks a lot of gas.

In Canada, all air conditioners have an Efficiency rating called the SEER. It's just a number that tells you if the device consumes little or a lot. The higher the number the better for your wallet and for the environment. For example, a device with a SEER of 20 will consume almost half as much electricity as an old model with 10 SEER to keep you cool the same.

Since 2015, all new air conditioners sold in Canada must have a rating of at least 14. But good modern models can go up to 18, 20, or even more. Experts recommend aiming for at least 15 to really save in Quebec.

Also look for the logo ENERGY STAR when you shop. It is a government label that guarantees that the device It is among the most economical. An air conditioner with this logo consumes about 8 to 10% less electricity than a regular model.

‍

Gas: why it's important

‍

All air conditioners contain a special gas that circulates through the pipes to transport freshness. The problem is that if this gas escapes into the air, some types can really harm the environment.

20-30 years ago, air conditioners used gases that were completely destroying the ozone layer (that layer that protects us from the sun). Fortunately, these gases have been banned. They have been replaced by other gases less damaging, but which still polluted a lot if they ended up in the atmosphere.

Today, new air conditioners use much cleaner gases. The newer one pollutes much less than the old standard gas. In addition, lesser quantities are needed to operate the air conditioner, it's a double win.

Normally, a well-installed air conditioner should never have a leak. But that's why an annual maintenance by a technician is important: he can check that everything is airtight and that the gas stays inside where it should be. Good maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that your air conditioner remains environmentally friendly.

‍

Heat pumps: the system that does everything

‍

If you really want the most ecological and economical option, look at heat pumps. What's the difference with a regular air conditioner? A conventional air conditioner cools summer only. A heat pump can also heat your home in winter. It is two devices in one alone.

The new heat pumps are so efficient that for 1 kWh of electricity consumed, they can produce 2 to 4 kWh of thermal energy. It is much more economical than conventional electric heating such as baseboards. Before, people thought it didn't work well in the cold. But today's low-temperature models can be used down to -20°C, and some modern models even work down to -25°C or -30°C. They are made for our Quebec winters.

The big advantage, is that you save all year round: cheaper to cool off in summer, and much cheaper to heat in winter. It replaces your electric baseboards that cost a fortune to operate.

‍

Choosing the right system for your situation

‍

What to do to choose an environmentally friendly system

‍

Start by bringing in a certified technician who will assess your real needs. A device too big will leave and stop all the time, which wastes energy. A device undersized will be spinning all the time without really refreshing you.

Look for the logo ENERGY STAR And aim for a rating SEER of at least 15. Also ask which gas is used : R-32 is better than R-410A, which itself is better than the old R-22.

If you are thinking of changing your old electric heating system, look at heat pumps. Savings on your heating bill can quickly repay the price difference.

Learn about financial aid available. In Quebec, there are several programs that give you money to buy low-cost devices. These programs generally require your air conditioner to have a good efficiency rating, but they can save you a lot on your purchase.

‍

Comfort and environment

‍

Air conditioners that really respect the environment do exist today. The important thing is to make informed choices: choose a good efficiency rating, modern gases, a device of the right size, and use it intelligently. In Quebec, we even have an advantage: our clean electricity makes these systems even more ecological than elsewhere.

You don't have to choose between your comfort and the environment. With the right devices and the right actions, you can have both.

‍

Ventiref can help you make the right choice

‍

Choosing an eco-friendly air conditioner that fits your home and your budget is not always easy. Our specialists can assess your real needs, offer you effective solutions and assist you in applying for grants.

Contact us and we'll help you get the hang of it and make a choice you won't regret.