Air conditioning helps prevent health problems caused by high temperatures. It also dehumidifies home air, making it easier for the body to sweat and cool itself naturally.
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Cooling is the process of removing heat from a material or system, resulting in a lower temperature and/or phase change. Cooling is accomplished by any method that removes thermal energy, including natural or mechanical processes such as convection, radiation and evaporation. It can also be achieved by artificial means such as forced convection or refrigeration.
Air conditioning was first invented to solve a humidity problem that was causing magazine pages to wrinkle at Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York, in 1902. Engineer Willis Carrier used an outdoor compressor and coils filled with refrigerant to keep the building’s atmosphere cooler than its surrounding environment.
The demand for air conditioning is growing rapidly worldwide, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation and climate change-related weather extremes. Moreover, cooling accounts for up to two-fifths of electricity consumption in developing countries and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. But advances in technology and the adoption of greener practices offer opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of cooling.
For example, by switching to higher SEER rating units that use less energy while maintaining optimal cooling performance and using sustainable refrigerants with lower global warming potentials, we can help minimise the impact on the environment. In addition, creating water bodies, like lakes, canals and ponds in urban areas or even installing green roofs can help reduce the need for air conditioners by acting as natural cooling systems.
The use of air conditioning is widespread in residential structures such as single-family homes and apartments; in medium to large industrial and office buildings, hotels and hospitals; and in vehicles like cars, trains, airplanes and ships. However, it is not always feasible to install AC in every building or vehicle due to space constraints and the high costs associated with installation. The most common alternative is passive cooling, which is done by building design and materials, primarily through solar shading.
While air conditioning can be crucial during heatwaves, its overuse, particularly in high-income countries, increases its climate impact. Educating people about efficient cooling and changing behaviours is critical, as is the development of alternatives that do not rely on fossil fuels.
Humidity Control
Humidity control is the regulation of moisture levels in the air to ensure that they remain within an optimal range. This is important not only for people’s health and comfort, but also for the preservation of objects such as furniture and electronics. If humidity is too high, it can lead to mold and condensation. Humidity that is too low can cause dry skin and irritated sinuses, making it easier for viruses to become airborne and infectious.
The ideal relative humidity level for comfort is considered to be between 30% and 60%. This range is determined by a variety of factors, including the climate in which you live, the age of your home and other variables. If you are experiencing problems with humidity, it is recommended that you consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine the proper solution.
Using whole-home humidity control devices, an HVAC system can monitor indoor moisture levels and automatically humidify or dehumidify the space when necessary. The benefits of maintaining an optimal humidity environment are numerous and far-reaching.
When humidity is too low, it can cause static shock, cracked wood flooring and furniture, wrinkly wallpaper, chipped paint, as well as dry skin and irritated sinuses. When it is too high, it can promote the growth of mold and other organisms, aggravate respiratory conditions and even damage furniture and electronics. Luckily, humidity controls are easy to install and simple to operate.
Most air conditioning units have humidity sensors that are able to detect moisture in the air and signal the unit to adjust its operation, thereby promoting a healthier indoor environment. In addition, most modern HVAC systems are able to use heat from the exhaust to dehumidify the space. This method is more efficient than using heat alone, and it also helps to reduce energy costs.
In order to maintain proper humidity levels, you need to regularly replace your air filters. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can restrict the flow of air through the system and cause a buildup of humidity. To prevent this, it is recommended that you change your air filter every month, or as often as needed.
Ventilation
Ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of a building or room. The goal of ventilation is to provide healthy air for breathing by both diluting pollutants that are produced in the building and removing pollutants from the air (Etheridge & Sandberg, 1996). Ventilation can be done through mechanical systems or natural forces. A hybrid system may use both mechanisms.
Ventilation can be used in homes, offices and other buildings such as hospitals and schools. In addition, ventilation can be found in vehicles such as cars and boats.
In homes, ventilation systems are often used to control the temperature of indoor air. In addition, ventilation can also help to control humidity and odors. Ventilation is important in buildings, as it helps to remove carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds and other harmful particles from the air.
It is recommended that ventilation be combined with reducing known sources of pollution, such as eliminating smoking indoors and limiting the amount of chemicals used in the home or office. Additionally, it is important to have good outdoor ventilation.
When ventilation is designed, it should include a variety of factors such as the amount of people in the household, schedules and other activities, health concerns and preferences, and how many windows are open. ASHRAE suggests a minimum of 1.5 air changes per hour for the entire house.
For offices and other commercial buildings, ventilation is usually a mixture of natural and mechanical systems. The goal of this type of ventilation is to minimize energy consumption while ensuring healthy indoor environments. These systems are designed to inject clean outdoor air into the space and expel stale indoor air. For example, in a commercial office building, the ventilation system may be set to operate when no one is in the building and turn off when people return. This prevents hazardous fumes from building up in the workspace and spreading throughout the building. During the Covid-19 pandemic, ventilation was a major part of the strategies used to reduce the spread of the disease. These strategies included increasing the rate of outside air flow and operating ventilation equipment during non-occupancy times to remove toxins from surfaces.