3 Ways Air Conditioners Cause Air Pollution
We cannot deny that air conditioners are a vital part of our life. We all use them to keep ourselves cool during summers, but do you know how air conditioners can cause air pollution? Although they help you keep yourself cool and comfortable. They also pollute our environment in the following ways:
1. Older Air Conditioners Use Freon, Which Is a Chlorofluorocarbon Gas
You may have heard about the dangers of Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon gas used in older air conditioners. Freon is a powerful greenhouse gas, and its use has been banned in most countries since 1996.
But if you still have an old air conditioner at home, you might be releasing more Freon into the atmosphere than you realize.
Here’s how to tell if your air conditioner still uses Freon: look for any sticker or label on the unit that says “HCFC-123” or “R-22.” If you find one of these, your AC is using Freon and needs to be replaced.
2. Air Conditioners Also Release Pollutants Like Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides
Air conditioners aren’t just about keeping you cool. They also release pollutants like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
These gases and particles can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog.
Ground-level ozone is dangerous because it irritates the lungs, causing wheezing and shortness of breath in people with respiratory problems like asthma.
It also makes breathing difficult for healthy people. It’s especially harmful to babies, who are more sensitive than adults to air pollution because their lungs aren’t fully developed yet.
3. Many Air Conditioners Use Hydrofluorocarbons, Which Are Also Greenhouse Gases
Air conditioners are necessary for the summer but can cause air pollution. Many air conditioners use hydrofluorocarbons, which are also greenhouse gases. These gases create a warming effect on the earth’s atmosphere.
The average household uses about 13,000 gallons of water each year to cool down their home. This excessive use of water is harmful to the environment and can cause many health problems for people living in areas with a shortage of clean water.
Air conditioners also produce ozone, which is harmful to humans when inhaled at high levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you have your air conditioning system checked regularly by a professional and maintain it properly to work efficiently and not produce too much pollution into our atmosphere.
Contact Professionals at Murphy Company
For more than 40 years, Murphy Company Heating & Cooling Heating & Cooling has been serving the heating and cooling needs throughout St. Matthews, KY, and the surrounding communities of Louisville. With the products and services we handle, we can quickly address the needs for heating or cooling systems. We can even offer you financing on approved credit if you need a new system installed at your home.
We also offer cooling services such as Repair and replacement, Customized maintenance, System installation, and Indoor and air quality testing. Our heating services include preventative maintenance, routine repair work, 24/7 emergency repairs, and new system installation.
We have many ways to help you save money on your energy bills by providing service plans for residential and commercial customers. We are NATE-certified and accredited by BBB. Our technicians are trained to work on all systems so that no job is too big or small for us. Call us today for all your heating and cooling needs in the Louisville area.
