The long, hot summers in Galt, CA mean you rely on your air conditioning system for at least half of the year. The heavy workload on your air conditioner might make you wonder if the unit causes air pollution or harms the environment in other ways. Here’s what you need to know about air conditioners and air pollution.
Electricity Use
All air conditioners use electricity. If your home solely runs on solar power, then your air conditioner has a smaller impact on air pollution than it would if you use the electrical grid for power. If you use the electrical grid, like most of us do, the power required by your air conditioner might come from the burning of fossil fuels. This process generates a large amount of air pollution.
Oil and Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak from your air conditioner may cause air pollution. Even if you have a newer air conditioner, the chemical refrigerants may interact with other molecules in the air and contribute to smog and other air quality issues. An oil leak from your air conditioner may create carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are greenhouse gases that could potentially lead to global warming and health issues.
Older Units With Freon
In 1992, the EPA started phasing out the use of a popular air conditioning refrigerant called R-22. The brand name of this refrigerant is Freon. R-22 was found to cause damage to the ozone layer, and it also contributed to air pollution in other ways. If your air conditioner was manufactured before 2010, it might use R-22 as the coolant. A leak in the system could cause the Freon to escape into the atmosphere and pollute the air and environment. Freon is no longer available for recharging old air conditioners, so you’ll need to replace the unit if it develops a leak.
In addition to installing energy-efficient air conditioners, Hawk Heating & Air Conditioning also offers heating system installation. Homeowners in Galt also count on us for heating and cooling maintenance and repairs, as well as indoor air quality solutions. Visit our website for to request an appointment or financing. Contact us today!
