Archive for September, 2009

Although I think we all know that by having energy efficient appliances in our home we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas in our environment.  Did you know that you can help in another important way by knowing a bit more about your air conditioner?

When you have your air conditioner serviced or replaced make sure that the company servicing it reclaims the refrigerant.    Here’s why…we’ve heard allot recently regarding greenhouse gases and their impact on the environment.   Although carbon dioxide (CO2) has been the primary concern, there are other greenhouse gases that have an impact.   To compare the impact, scientists have defined a measurement known as “Global Warming Potential” or GWP.    The higher the number, the greater the greenhouse gas’ impact on our planet.

The gas in your air conditioning unit, if released into the atmosphere, has a GWP of 1,700 times greater than CO2.   Another way to think of this is that it would take driving your car for approximately two years to create the equivalent amount of GWP as a one pound leak from your air conditioner (a typical central AC system holds 10-20 pounds of refrigerant).    Most licensed AC service companies are sensitive to this, but if you’re concerned about global warming…this is an important way to ensure you’re doing everything you can do.