High-Technology Air Conditioners

Efficient Systems

• The newest air conditioner processes demand much less energy than conventional air conditioners from the past. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy developed a process based on membranes, evaporative cooling and liquid desiccants, resulting in 50 to 90 percent less energy use than many top air conditioners. Evaporative cooling systems work by blowing air through wet mesh. They work well in dry climates, but in humid climates they're not ideal as they can make the air hot and sticky.

Solar Systems

• Solar-based air conditioners are now available and adhere to the high standards of future air conditioning regulations. In one design, solar and residual heat fuels the system, which looks just like a normal air conditioner. It incorporates lithium bromide, a substance that doesn't damage the ozone, unlike previously-used chemicals. Since 2007, many air conditioning companies have switched from ozone-depleting chemicals such as HCFC refrigerants, to alternative refrigerants. Many countries are devoted to reducing the energy requirements of the technology, and all developed countries will be banned from using HCFC refrigerants by 2020.

Features

• Recent innovations in air conditioning technology focus on ensuring efficiency and comfort through various intelligent sensors and control mechanisms. Some systems incorporate allergen filters that improve indoor environments. Smart sensors are capable of monitoring the temperature throughout a room and adjusting for cold and hot spots. Specialized zone controls can allow temperatures to be set in each room, preventing the inefficiency that can result when a system is running in an empty room.

Quiet Systems

• Efficiency isn't the only technological innovation being sought in air conditioners. Many consumers want a quiet system as well. Companies have developed cooling systems that are both efficient and quiet. Some of these "quiet" systems incorporate a special fan design and insulated compartments with a two-stage system that keeps sound to a minimum. These units are approximately 13 times quieter than conventional air conditioning systems.