Understanding Sustainable Cooling Solutions and Their Benefits
Most people believe that air conditioning is inherently un-green. Air conditioners don't directly release carbon dioxide (CO2) while they operate, but they do contribute to CO2 emissions indirectly through the electricity they consume. Plus, the chemical refrigerants used to the heating and cooling process can cause harm to the atmosphere.
While this is all correct, the HVAC industry has made great strides over the last few decades toward more eco-friendly systems and refrigerants. Through technology, equipment optimization, and chemistry, most of today’s manufacturers offer models that have a greatly reduced environmental footprint over their predecessors, even those built just a few years ago.
What Makes an Air Conditioner Eco-Friendly?
There are a few key factors that determine how eco-friendly an air conditioner is. When shopping for a sustainable air conditioning solution, taking all these factors into account will help you find the cost/efficiency balance that’s right for you.
Efficiency Ratings
Air conditioner efficiency is expressed in its SEER and SEER2 ratings. A SEER rating or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating reflects how much energy a system requires to operate. All modern air conditioners include SEER2 ratings. SEER2 testing utilizes a different set of testing parameters designed to more accurately represent real world performance.
In simple terms, the higher the SEER2 ratings an air conditioner has, the more energy efficient it is. The difference in SEER2 ratings can impact your energy investment significantly, since the boost in efficiency means less energy used overall.
Environmentally Safe Refrigerants
Refrigerant, the chemical compound that makes modern air conditioning possible, has been in use since the early twentieth century. R-22, one of the first residential refrigerant compounds, was in widespread use until the late 1970’s, when scientists discovered its harmful effects on the ozone layer and the environment.
Since that discovery, based on global agreements and regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, the industry has worked to develop new refrigerants with progressively lower environmental impact. Compounds used in modern HVAC equipment such as R-454B, Lennox’ Compliant Refrigerant, present comparatively little danger when compared to those of the 1970’s.
The environmental impact of modern refrigerants is expressed in GWP (Global Warming Potential). GWP is a measurement of how much heat the refrigerant’s gas emissions retain compared to carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. The lower the GWP, the eco-friendlier the compound. R-454B has a GWP that is 78% lower than R-410A, its predecessor developed in the 1990’s.
Advances in Equipment Design
Along with the advances in refrigerant technology, air conditioner manufacturers have worked hard to improve the energy efficiency of their equipment through design optimization and new technologies. Going beyond basic engineering optimization and the installation of more efficient components, Lennox has taken a whole-system approach with its ENERGY STAR® certified units, integrating smart and adaptive controls to increase efficiency.
Improvements like variable-speed and multi-speed compressors automatically ensure that your home stays cool while minimizing power consumption. Pairing an air conditioner with a smart thermostat can also optimize its efficiency, ensuring your system runs only when needed. Adaptive cooling and zoning technology that only conditions the areas of a home that get heavy use can also be effective in reducing energy consumption.
The Benefits of Going Eco-Friendly
Reduced Electric Bills
The most obvious benefit of choosing an eco-friendly air conditioner is the monthly savings an energy efficient system will deliver. Though the up-front investment for a high SEER-rated system may seem hard to swallow, correctly matched and installed, that air conditioner may pay you back over time. And with proper maintenance, it may just pay for itself over the life of the unit.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Going green with your air conditioner is not only a way to reduce your electric bills, it’s also a responsible way to shrink your environmental footprint. High-efficiency air conditioners save in more ways than one. Lowering your HVAC system’s energy consumption means a reduction in greenhouse gasses emitted by your power provider. Installing and properly maintaining a high-efficiency, high-tier system also means a reduction in the risks associated with possible refrigerant emissions.
Improved Air Quality
By design, high-efficiency air conditioners include the best components and technologies a manufacturer has to offer – like the Lennox SL25KCV, the highest-efficiency air conditioner on the market with a 26 SEER2 rating.
This level of quality translates to improvements in comfort and the quality of your indoor air. Pair your eco-friendly air conditioner with other high-efficiency equipment like a high-performance air handler, a Lennox smart thermostat, or advanced purification systems, and your eco-friendly air conditioner will deliver even more savings.
Selecting the Right Eco-Friendly System
If you’re in the market for an eco-friendly air conditioner, here are a few things to consider beyond the efficiency ratings of the equipment:
Unit Capacity
When choosing an eco-friendly air conditioner, as with any HVAC system, the first consideration should be the size of the unit. Whether too large or too small, an improperly sized air conditioner will not perform to its stated SEER ratings. Too small, and the unit will be overworked, requiring it to run longer and more often to cool your home. Too large and it will use more energy due to frequent starts and stops, and won't dehumidify well. Your local installer can help you assess your space to determine what tonnage rating is right for your home.
Smart Technology
Units compatible with smart thermostats offer much more control over your system. With the ability to program day/night cycles, schedule regular away times, and add zoning capabilities, a smart thermostat can go a long way toward getting the most out of your eco-friendly air conditioner.
Compatibility with Other Energy Efficient Options
If efficiency is your goal, then a whole-home approach is ideal. Pairing your air conditioner with other high-efficiency accessories and equipment can help to maximize the performance of your air conditioner. As we’ve discussed, smart technology is a great way to get more from your system. But you should also consider upgrades to your air-flow equipment to improve filtration, manage humidity and reduce the energy consumption of your indoor air handler.
Maximizing Efficiency
Your HVAC system typically accounts for about half of your energy bill each month. That’s a lot of room for improvement and savings. Here are few tips to make sure you’re maximizing your eco-friendly system’s performance.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance and Servicing
We can’t say it enough. Regular maintenance is critical to system efficiency, reliability, and longevity. First and foremost, always change your air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Restricted air-flow due to dirty filters will make your equipment work harder than necessary – using more energy. Look over your equipment regularly, keeping vents and coils clean and free from debris. It’s also important to know your system and its behaviors so that you can note anything unusual that may indicate a problem.
Regular seasonal checkups are also a vital part of maintaining an air conditioner’s efficiency levels. You should connect with a local service provider to inspect and tune-up your system at least twice a year – we recommend scheduling these checkups just before Summer and just before Winter so you’re prepared for any seasonal extremes.
Ensure You Have Proper Insulation and Check Your Door and Window Seals
Proper insulation will help ensure your cool air doesn’t escape causing your air conditioner to have to work harder than it should to cool your home. Properly insulated walls and a well-insulated attic can translate directly to energy savings and improved indoor comfort.
In addition, maintaining and repairing the door or window seals throughout your home can help prevent air loss – and energy loss. Check these seals annually to make sure your home has the tight seal it needs to take advantage of your air conditioners eco-friendly credentials.
Using Your Thermostat to Get the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner
As we’ve discussed, using a smart thermostat to control your eco-friendly air conditioner is ideal. The increased control and flexibility a smart thermostat provides will ensure your system works only when it’s needed, delivering maximum performance, extending the life of your equipment, and saving you more money.
Why Choose Lennox for Your Eco-Friendly Air Conditioner
Lennox has a long history of being committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Offering industry leading equipment like the SL25KCV Dave Lennox Signature Series air conditioner, the most efficient air conditioner on the market at 26 SEER2 should be proof of that. As a company, we continue to make efforts to be more environmentally conscious, improving equipment performance, implementing sustainability programs, and making efforts to reduce our collective environmental footprint.
ENERGY STAR® certification is the gold standard in HVAC efficiency ratings. It is earned when a product meets or exceeds a specific set of energy efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Lennox product catalog includes a wide selection of ENERGY STAR® certified equipment including not only eco-friendly air conditioners, but heat pumps, furnaces, thermostats and air purification systems. Maintaining these high standards across our product offerings ensures Lennox remains a leader in eco-friendly HVAC technology.
It's also ingrained in the Lennox culture that superior products must be supported by superior service. Our dedicated dealer network is well trained in not only keeping your equipment in working order but providing you with the answers and knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your needs. Backed by direct manufacturer sales and technical support, you can purchase with the knowledge that when you buy from a certified Lennox dealer, you’re buying from Lennox.
With flexible warranty options, you can craft a purchase and a support plan that fits your needs and your budget. Plans range from our standard limited warranty, covering most parts for 5 years to our Comfort Shield Extended Service agreement, delivering up to 12 years parts and labor coverage.
If your air conditioner is past the 10 year mark, or you’re considering an eco-friendly replacement for your home, explore the many options Lennox has to offer – then reach out to your local dealer to discuss which unit is right for you. Your environmental footprint will thank you.
