Improving air conditioner efficiency could reduce worldwide temps

Post by amluto » Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 9:04 PM UTC

rplst8 wrote: post #129

mjfern wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A SEER 13-14 system can run $5-6K, while a SEER 22 system can cost upwards of $15K (as a guesstimate). In theory, a SEER 22 system can pay for itself over the long-term due to reduced electric/gas expenses. The issue is that higher SEER systems, above 16 I believe, rely on variable speed motors. My understanding is that they are inherently less reliable. A SEER 13-16 system might last 15-20 years (if you're lucky), w…

I've said elsewhere in the thread, but insulation does little to help in the summer months. Fiberglass insulation mostly protects from convective cooling/heating (i.e. airflow). Heat in the summer is mostly through conduction and even more-so radiative (near infrared). Windows treatments could definitely help there, but unless you want everyone's windows to be mirrors, it likely won't help that much.

Post by thescriptkiddie » Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 9:05 PM UTC

jriot wrote: post #82

axelfontaine wrote: post #64

American air conditioners running at full power, chilling the interior and dripping on the sidewalk below on a hot day always deeply trouble me. Maybe it's my european view on things, but for contrast here in Munich we aren't just building out a city-wide heat network, but we also have a cold network! Cold river water flows through the pipe network that traverses the city and large office building can get connected t…

Berlin doesn't nearly get as hot as the United States. Try sitting inside a house in Mobile, AL in July without air conditioner and see how long you last. Using your water example, what about the deserts in the US that don't have a nearby water source to cool everything. Europe is much cooler in comparison to the US.

Post by Mz » Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 9:05 PM UTC

Post by meric » Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 9:06 PM UTC

hughw wrote: post #143

djsumdog wrote: post #119

So we curb emissions by building a bunch of new A/C units? Sorry, that's silly. CO2 is just one of many many forms of pollution. Think you're doing your part by purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle? There are barrels of oil that go into those tiers, the plastics, not to mention all the pollution that goes into battery production. If your car is fuel efficient, the best thing you can do for the environment is drive…

Reducing the number of humans could be one approach. The idea causes rancorous response from religious people who believe God told us to be fruitful and multiply. To reduce births might require coercion, it's true, but it would not require killing people or making them suffer. I don't see how else we can continue to enjoy the benefits and power of technology while keeping the planet habitable and enjoyable.

Post by cmurf » Thu, Jul 13, 2017, 9:07 PM UTC

djsumdog wrote: post #119

So we curb emissions by building a bunch of new A/C units? Sorry, that's silly. CO2 is just one of many many forms of pollution. Think you're doing your part by purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle? There are barrels of oil that go into those tiers, the plastics, not to mention all the pollution that goes into battery production. If your car is fuel efficient, the best thing you can do for the environment is drive…