The EPA estimates that HVAC systems account for 40% of energy consumption in the US. But this isn’t a distinctly American problem. In fact, air conditioning accounts for 15% of energy consumption worldwide. The adoption of residential and commercial AC systems has reached historic rates. Some studies predict that air conditioning will result in 25% of all global warming by 2050.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is the main driver of climate change. Almost all residential and commercial HVAC systems result in these gases. Many furnaces and boilers burn natural gas or other fossil fuels. Columbia University estimates that this accounts for more than 40% of NYC emissions alone.
Air conditioners and heat pumps run on electricity. Some furnaces and boilers do as well. While using electricity is cleaner than fossil fuels, it isn’t exactly clean. Fossil fuels are still the largest source of electricity production in the US and the world. If all homes and buildings used a heat pump, scientists expect 20% less greenhouse gases, and that number could be as high as 80%. But that would demand major changes to our electrical infrastructure.
Cost is another issue. For the homeowner with a natural gas line, a gas unit is simply cheaper over the lifespan of the equipment. It won’t always be this way, though. Natural gas isn’t renewable. So, it will become more expensive and less practical over time.
Hydrofluorocarbons
There are other emission issues when it comes to heat pumps and air conditioners. These appliances use hydrofluorocarbons as refrigerants. This has been a change for the better. The HFCs in modern refrigerants are less harmful than chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Many AC units used CFCs and HCFCs in the past. However, less harmful doesn’t mean unharmful. The Climate & Clean Air Coalition warns that HFCs represent 2% of all greenhouse gases. They also have an atmospheric lifespan of 15 years. Furthermore, their effects can be thousands of times higher than CO2 per unit of mass.
Carbon Emissions
Current commercial and residential HVAC technologies result in significant carbon emissions. Carbon emissions are a major contributor to climate change. They lead to rising global temperatures, detrimentally affect ecosystems, and can result in extreme weather events. More energy-efficient HVAC designs are one main way we’re reducing our carbon footprint.
Another way is through innovating changes, including:
- Variable-speed motors that consume less electricity overall
- HE furnaces that trap exhaust gases and use that heat to lower energy usage
- Energy recovery ventilators to trap heat loss and reuse that heat
- Heat pumps that can combine heating and cooling with a hot water supply
Urban Heat Island Effect
Heat islands have a negative impact as well. These are urban areas that have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. HVAC systems are more concentrated in urban areas. The heat is also exacerbated by the landscape, which has fewer forests and water bodies than in rural areas and more infrastructure. To offset the effect, many cities are investing in cool roofs and pavements as well as more trees for shade.
Water Consumption
When discussing HVAC and environmental impact, the focus is often on energy consumption. But water consumption is a problem as well. Large industrial and commercial sites often contribute to local water scarcity. Cooling towers are effective but consume a tremendous amount of water. Many cities are hoping to reduce usage through new regulations. Intelligent controls and sensors can help. Retrofitting water-efficient technologies can make a big difference as well. Rainwater harvesting provides an additional water source.
EPA Attributes 30% of HVAC Costs to Waste
Waste is a big problem in HVAC applications, particularly in residential scenarios. The EPA estimates that 30% of all HVAC energy usage is lost. There are several strategies the EPA recommends to curb this waste. The first is more energy-efficient homes. The EPA estimates that the average American can reduce costs by 15%. Homeowners should replace old insulation, too. They should also add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and so on.
The EPA also encourages homeowners to invest in more energy-efficient HVAC systems. Heat pumps have come a long way in recent years. They’re suitable even in cold environments. You can also pair them with a furnace as auxiliary heat. Geothermal heat pumps don’t even require aux heat. There are also high-efficiency furnaces with AFUE ratings as high as 96%.
Additionally, the EPA encourages homeowners to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices let you reduce energy consumption while sleeping or away from home. According to the EPA, the average household can lower energy consumption by 8% a year with a smart thermostat.
Routine maintenance is a factor as well. Many homeowners take a break-fix approach to their HVAC systems. The issue here is that seasonal maintenance results in a more efficient system. Within several years of usage, an unmaintained unit can operate at 15% less efficiency or more.
Encouraging Adoption of Efficient HVAC Systems
Adopting these new technologies can carry some practical challenges. Although superior from the perspective of environmental impact, they aren’t always an affordable financial option for families. Can most households justify a high-efficiency furnace? Sadly, the answer is often no. The federal government does try to alleviate this problem through tax credits. The effectiveness of these programs is debatable. A person who can’t afford a geothermal system might not make enough to enjoy these credits.
Renewable Energy Solutions
Geothermal heating and cooling systems will play an important role in the future. These systems will become more affordable over time. The new home construction industry will, at some point, embrace these technologies.
Residential solar solutions become more prevalent and affordable with each passing year. A house with solar panels can power its current HVAC system with no changes. The industry is also working on units that better use solar and other renewable energy sources, such as wind.
Still, the EPA expects the adoption rate among families in pre-existing homes to be slow. Better government incentives, including rebates rather than tax credits, could make a difference. However, the largest changes in the short term will likely be due to energy infrastructure. This includes generating more grid power from solar, wind, and even nuclear power.
Smart Technologies
Smart technologies will be an important resource moving forward. The aforementioned smart thermostats are one example, but the automation possibilities extend beyond that. Soon, smart control boards will be better able to control cycles, motor speeds, and airflow. These boards will also be internet-connected. That allows uploading to the cloud for more advanced processing and analysis. In some cases, it will allow systems to take advantage of off-peak and mid-peak utility periods. That will save money but also reduce usage during peak periods.
Local HVAC Experts in the Metro Atlanta Area
Every homeowner in Dallas and the surrounding areas can make a difference. Precision Heating & Air is a family business that has served this region for decades. We take great pride in helping our customers choose energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Our team provides duct cleaning, too. We also install, maintain, and repair water heaters, dehumidifiers, thermostats, and air purifiers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.
