Actions Around the Home
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
As the global temperature increases with a changing climate, global demand for air conditioning systems will soar. To put the current global demand for cooling systems in perspective, in 2019 the annual GHG emissions from air conditioning was equivalent to that produced by 215 million internal combustion vehicles.
The demand for air-conditioning globally is expected to triple by 2050. Developing nations will expect to address heat issues with their populations and those that can afford it will expect to install and use these systems. The International Energy Agency highlighted the need for action to maximize the energy efficiency of newly installed systems in their report The Future of Cooling: Opportunities for Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning.
We recently replaced our 20 year old air conditioning unit with an energy efficient heat pump and are seeing the benefits and savings of an investment in updated equipment. In your home, consider upgrading your equipment to maximize energy efficiency if it is out of date, add a programmable thermostat, and optimize a cooling cycle to minimize your energy usage.
Humidity is increasing and makes the the technology solutions more challenging. High heat and humidity is the greatest risk to health, significantly increasing the likelihood of heat stroke. We all need to become aware of the wet bulb temperature, because it is an indicator the human body’s ability to be cooled by evaporation from sweating. High wet bulb globe temperature is another measurement that takes solar radiation and wind speed into account. It is important because combined effects can be dangerous to outdoor workers and others that have to do anything strenuous outside.
In areas where humidity is not usually bad (and increasing with climate change), we may unconsciously tend to use our air conditioning system because we get uncomfortable at lower temperatures when the humidity is high. Indeed it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.
Some newer systems have a dehumidification cycle that you can use allowing you to keep the temperature higher to meet your expected level of comfort. If you have a “tight house” with appropriate moisture barriers and weather-stripping, utilizing a dehumidifier in your HVAC system, especially at the fresh air intake, can be part of a strategy to manage your home environment with maximized energy efficiency.
Keep in mind that in regions of high heat and humidity, both air conditioners and dehumidifiers have to work harder because they rely on the air absorbing excess moisture. This is a technology challenge that may be a barrier in addressing a changing climate.
The health implications of an hotter world make access to cooling an energy equity issues that must be addressed at the local levels. If your region is prone to unexpected and prolonged periods of increased heat, you should ensure that there is access to cool public spaces. An while you are at, consider making your voice heard advocating for an equitable and energy efficient future on a warming planet.
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 57: Go Solar
#rescuethatfrog
Email: rescuethatfrog@gmail.com