earthtalk

Weighing environmentally friendly air conditioners

 

Dear EarthTalk: With summer bearing down on us, are there any environmentally friendly air conditioners out there?

—Fred Johansen, Grand Rapids, MI

 

Air conditioners are essential for keeping us cool and comfortable during hot summer months, but their environmental impact cannot be ignored. Traditional air conditioning units consume significant amounts of energy and rely heavily on refrigerants that contribute to global warming. However, the good news is that there are several environmentally friendly air conditioning options available today.

One notable advancement is the development of energy-efficient air conditioners. These units are designed to use less electricity, reducing their carbon footprint and lowering energy bills. Energy Star-certified air conditioners are a reliable option to consider. They meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can help reduce energy consumption by up to 15%. By choosing an Energy Star-certified model, consumers can make a positive impact on both the environment and their wallets.

Another eco-friendly air conditioning solution gaining popularity is the use of evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers. Unlike conventional air conditioners, which use refrigerants and compressors to cool the air, evaporative coolers work by passing air over water-soaked pads, causing evaporation and cooling the air. These units consume significantly less energy than traditional air conditioners and are a suitable option for dry climates. In recent years, researchers and engineers have been exploring more sustainable alternatives to refrigerants used in air conditioners. One such alternative is hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, which have a much lower global warming potential compared to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants commonly used today. HFOs are less harmful to the ozone layer and have a significantly lower impact on global warming. Some manufacturers have already started producing air conditioners that use HFO refrigerants, offering a greener cooling solution.

Additionally, there is a growing trend toward the use of geothermal heat pumps for cooling purposes. These systems utilize the constant temperature of the earth to provide cooling, rather than relying on electricity to generate cool air. Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient and can save up to 30-60% on energy costs compared to traditional air conditioners. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. While the initial installation costs may be higher, the long-term environmental and financial benefits make them a viable option.

Finally, it is essential to consider sustainable design and proper maintenance practices when using air conditioners. Optimizing insulation, reducing air leaks, and shading windows can help reduce the load on air conditioning systems. While there is no one-size-fits-all environmentally friendly air conditioner, consumers now have several options to choose from. Energy-efficient models, evaporative coolers, HFO refrigerants, and geothermal heat pumps are all promising alternatives that can help reduce the ecological footprint of cooling our homes and buildings. By making informed choices and adopting sustainable practices, we can stay cool without compromising the health of our planet.

 

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

earthtalk
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Millerton’s 175th committee advances plans for celebration, seeks vendors and sponsors

Millerton’s 175th committee advances plans for celebration, seeks vendors and sponsors

The Millerton 175th anniversary committee's tent during the village's trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 31, 2025.

Photo provided

MILLERTON — As Millerton officially enters its 175th year, the volunteer committee tasked with planning its milestone celebration is advancing plans and firming up its week-long schedule of events, which will include a large community fair at Eddie Collins Memorial Park and a drone light show. The events will take place this July 11 through 19.

Millerton’s 175th committee chair Lisa Hermann said she is excited for this next phase of planning.

Keep ReadingShow less
events

Why the focus on Greenland?

Why the focus on Greenland?

As I noted here in an article last spring entitled “Hands off Greenland”, the world’s largest island was at the center of a developing controversy. President Trump was telling all who would listen that, for national security reasons, the United States needed to take over Greenland, amicably if possible or by force if necessary. While many were shocked by Trump’s imperialistic statements, most people, at least in this country, took his words as ill-considered bluster. But he kept telling questioners that he had to have Greenland (oftenechoing the former King of France, Louis XIV who famously said, “L’État c’est moi!”.

Since 1951, the U.S. has had a security agreement with Denmark giving it near total freedom to install and operate whatever military facilities it wanted on Greenland. At one point there were sixteen small bases across the island, now there’s only one. Denmark’s Prime Minister has told President Trump that the U.S. should feel free to expand its installations if needed. As climate change is starting to allow a future passage from thePacific Ocean to the Arctic, many countries are showing interest in Greenland including Russia and China but this hardly indicates an international crisis as Trump and his subordinates insist.

Keep ReadingShow less
column

Military hardware as a signpost

Military hardware as a signpost

It is hard not to equate military spending and purchasing with diplomatic or strategic plans being made, for reasons otherwise unknown. Keeping an eye out for the physical stuff can often begin to shine a light on what’s coming – good and possibly very bad.

Without Congressional specific approval, the Pentagon has awarded a contract to Boeing for $8,600,000,000 (US taxpayer dollars) for another 25 F-15A attack fighters to be given to Israel. Oh, and there’s another 25 more of the F-15EX variant on option, free to Israel as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
column

Truth and evidence depend on the right to observe

Truth and evidence depend on the right to observe

A small group of protesters voice opposition to President Trump's administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Amenia's Fountain Square at the intersection of Route 44 and Route 22 on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

Photo by Nathan Miller

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, and before him Renée Good, by federal agents in Minnesota is not just a tragedy; it is a warning. In the aftermath, Trump administration officials released an account of events that directly contradicted citizen video recorded at the scene. Those recordings, made by ordinary people exercising their rights, showed circumstances sharply at odds with the official narrative. Once again, the public is asked to choose between the administration’s version of events and the evidence of its own eyes.

This moment underscores an essential truth: the right to record law enforcement is not a nuisance or a provocation; it is a safeguard. As New York Times columnist David French put it, “Citizen video has decisively rebutted the administration’s lies. The evidence of our eyes contradicts the dishonesty of the administration’s words.”

Keep ReadingShow less
editorial