We take Air Conditioning For Granted. (Sometimes)
When it comes to purchasing your first home, there are many factors to consider. There’s adjusting your finances, finding the perfect location, selecting the right number of bedrooms for your home. Most first-time homebuyers know these are obvious questions which need to be answered. But what about home features that are often taken for granted?
Living in the United States, many couples shopping for a new home often overlook the comfort of central air conditioning. Especially in cities with scalding summers like Austin, efficient air conditioners are not seen as a luxury, but rather a requirement when purchasing a new home. And though something as common as air conditioning efficiency might not seem like an important factor to consider, it should be.
New technology advances have the ability to provide air conditioning to more individuals around the world. And they can also reduce the costs of cooling in your new home.
Expanding HVAC Reach
While efficient air conditioning used to be an indication of a developed society and individual wealth, electricity and air conditioning are becoming more readily available to individuals around the world, who in past years could not afford them.
According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, fast-growing economies like Brazil, India, and China experienced a rise in air conditioning sales of 10-15% in recent years. The study predicts that India will be the largest country for air conditioning growth.
As third-world countries develop, the correlation between increased incomes and air conditioner sales will continue to grow.
Impacting the environment
The surge of air conditioner sales indicates that more individuals around the world can afford a more comfortable living environment. But such changes, positive as they may be, result in more energy consumption and a potential rise in carbon dioxide emissions.
By 2030, the world is projected to install 700 million air conditioners; 1.6 billion are expected by 2050. And with an already heating global climate, such increases create unease amongst environmentalist.
Energy leaders are addressing the concerns raised about climate impact by working to create more sustainable and energy efficient air conditioners. Their approach is to try and lessen the units’ dependency on powerful greenhouse gasses. Changes like these suggest that by 2050, the world could avoid the release of billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions, ultimately shifting the global market entirely.
Global benefits
While an efficient air conditioner can help lessen the impact of greenhouse emissions, it can also benefit individuals around the world. From those in areas of intense heat to first-time homebuyers like you.
Despite the customary use of air conditioners in the US (more than 90% of homes are equipped with an AC system), there were more than 1 million heat-related deaths in the country in 2015. The groups most affected include the poor and elderly. Many people with a low income remain unable to afford an AC unit.
But according to the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), changes in air conditioning efficiency could lead to cheaper air conditioners. Such improvements will make efficient air conditioners more accessible to those in remote areas and extreme heat; such enhancements will enable homeowners to cool their home for a lesser cost.
What you can do
To ensure your air conditioner is running smoothly, make a habit of checking and changing your filters. Also, take the time to seal any leaky ducts and brush away any dirt from coils and drains. For more serious issues that may arise, like airflow problems, it’s best to call the professionals.
Our team at ABC Home and Commercial Services Austin can provide you with the necessary services and repairs your new home may need.