Quote:
Originally Posted by AviationGuy
A/C's must be getting a lot more efficient.
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"Getting" over what period of time are you taliking about? Air conditioner efficiency is normally measured as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio = a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used). The unit that my house had when I bought it was from the 1970s and was estimated to be a SEER of about 7 ot 8. I replaced it about 5 years ago with one of 14, so about twice as efficient. Units of SEER 16 were available (for more money) but since I'm not using the house in mid-summer when that would save the most energy, I didn't feel it was necessary.
Apparently units as high as SEER 21 are now available but quite expensive.
Among the ways the unit I bought saved some enrgy was that it doesn't shut down the fan at the same time as the compressor. Since the evaporator coil will still be cold when the compressor shuts off, the fan keeps running for a few minutes until essentially the evaporator reaches about the same temperature as the ambient air, thereby transferring all the heat possible. I though that was rather clever.
I think it's worth summarizing here:
If you have a high efficiency (high SEER rating) air conditioner using a non-polluting coolant chemical and power it with renewable (or nuclear) power, you are doing almost no damage to the environment.