The Environmental Impact of Air Conditioners

The summer of 2021 has seen much of the Northern US reaching record high temperatures. With this, it also saw air conditioners flying off the shelves and selling out online. 

We love air conditioners because they keep us at a comfortable temperature. But for many this year, air conditioners weren’t bought out of love, but necessity. 

With temperatures at such a dangerous high in so many locations, air conditioning was likely the only prevention against heat-related illnesses. 

In this state of near panic and rush to stop the excruciating heat, the environmental impact of our actions likely didn’t even cross our minds. 

But what was that impact? What is that impact? Let’s take a look at how air conditioners factor into an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. 

One of the most easily identifiable impacts of air conditioning on the environment is its energy usage. Air conditioning requires constant electricity to function. Depending on your region’s energy source, this could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. 

As of 2020, only 11% of energy consumption in the US was coming from renewable sources. This means that as air conditioners continuously cool our houses, stores, and gyms, they are also continuously causing pollution.

One way to reduce the pollution caused by air conditioners is to not keep them running 100% of the time. Many regions in the US do not experience dangerously high heat consistently, but rather in heatwaves. During times where heat waves are not being experiences, air conditioners can be turned off and alternative cooling methods can be used. 

Another environmental impact of air conditioning that is less easily preventable is the release of CFCs and HFCs. 

CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, and HFCs, or hydrochlorofluorocarbons, are a set of gases that are particularly harmful to the ozone layer in the earth’s atmosphere. However, they are also cooling agents that are commonly used in air conditioners and other refrigerants. 

While most air conditioners still use ozone-depleting substances as their cooling agents, there are more environmentally friendly options being introduced into the market. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new air conditioner, do your research and try opting for one that is intentional about not using environmentally harmful cooling agents. 

The use of plastic is yet another environmentally harmful aspect of air conditioners. The majority of air conditioners available to buy use large amounts of plastic that most often goes straight to the landfill after a few years. 

A more sustainable option here is to opt for a metal air conditioner, as metal is more easily reused than plastic. 

However, if you do end up with a plastic air conditioner, there are special facilities that take old air conditioners and recycle and reuse the parts that they can. The internet is an easy way to find a facility in your area. 

While air conditioners are not environmentally friendly machines, they are also necessary for many people. 

The best we can do is try to make the most sustainable decisions when it comes to the purchase, use, and disposal of our air conditioners. 

Stay cool and good luck!