The development of residential air conditioning has made it possible for people to live in areas where they simply couldn’t before. This was because the heat of summer was unendurable for most people. It’s still true that in many places in the world, global warming has made the heat of summer deadly for too many. Yet, modern AC comes with its own pros and cons, especially where the environment is concerned. Here are some.
Pros
Air Conditioning Saves Lives
Residential air conditioning not only keeps people comfortable in their homes. It actually saves lives. The deadliest type of weather is neither hurricanes nor tornadoes nor floods, but extreme heat. Every year, over half a million people die from heat around the world, and the number is increasing thanks to climate change. When it gets too hot, vulnerable people can suffer seizures, heat stroke, and heart and kidney failure. High heat can also lead to premature birth and even stillbirth.
It Keeps You Comfortable
If you are not actually in danger of dying from the heat during the summer, your AC keeps you comfortable. This is important when it comes to carrying out day-to-day tasks, be they cooking, cleaning, entertaining or simply relaxing after a hard day. When it’s bedtime, a bedroom with the air conditioning running improves your sleep.
It Preserves Your Belongings
Air conditioning can keep electronics from overheating. It also protects your furniture and upholstery from deteriorating.
Cons
AC Stresses Electricity Grids
On really hot days, a lot of people switch on their AC, whether it’s a ductless mini-split system, a window air conditioner or a central AC system. This stresses the electrical grid, and that can lead to blackouts. Blackouts can be hazardous for people who live in places with brutal summers.
Chemicals Used by Air Conditioners Heat the Planet
The chemicals that your AC uses to keep your home cool contribute to greenhouse gases. These gases heat the outside atmosphere. This is especially true of the refrigerant, which pulls heat out of the air that’s blown into a room and discharges it to the outside. Refrigerants are also dangerous for people to handle, and when they leak, they add millions of metric tons of global warming to the atmosphere. The good news is that technology is advancing to where residential and even commercial air conditioning can keep people and places cool while not being so environmentally unfriendly.
Call Us to Learn More About Your Air Conditioning
There are benefits and drawbacks to using air conditioning, but proper maintenance can make your system less harmful to the environment. If your air conditioner needs servicing, call TNT in Savannah, GA.
