Why Room Air Conditioners?
Room air conditioners (RACs), particularly older models, contribute to smog and climate change. Air conditioners are largely responsible for the increased demand for electricity in the summer time. Summer peaks in energy consumption mean increased emissions from power facilities, including natural gas and coal-burning plants. These increased emissions contribute to higher smog levels, which impact human health and the overall health of the planet. Older window air conditioners use 30 to 70 percent more energy than newer, efficient ENERGY STAR labelled models. ENERGY STAR qualified products require less energy for the same cooling output and therefore generate fewer greenhouse gases and smog-related emissions on a per-unit basis.
