We often get asked if air conditioning uses gas, and the short answer is usually no. Non-commercial air conditioners run on electricity, not gas, cooling your home by removing warm air and pushing it outside. The confusion may come from central heating and cooling systems that have both an air conditioner and a furnace. The AC cools with electricity, while the furnace heats with gas.
Air conditioners work by circulating a special fluid called refrigerant which absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. An electric compressor pumps the refrigerant through the system and the whole process runs entirely on electricity.
How Air Conditioning Systems Work
Air conditioning systems cool indoor spaces through heat transfer and refrigeration, relying on electricity and special chemicals to keep homes comfortable. The cooling cycle starts when warm indoor air passes over the cold evaporator coil and the refrigerant inside absorbs heat from the air, making the air cooler.
Next, the compressor squeezes the warm refrigerant which raises its temperature even more. The hot refrigerant then flows to the condenser outside and heat is released into the outdoor air. As it cools down, the refrigerant turns back into a liquid. It then moves through the expansion valve, lowering its pressure and temperature. The cold refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil, ready to start the cycle again.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems
Air conditioning systems come in different forms to suit various needs. We'll explore the most common types and some alternative options for cooling your home.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is a popular choice for many homes and uses a system of ducts to distribute cool air throughout the house. The main unit sits outside and connects to an indoor air handler. Central AC systems are efficient for cooling large spaces as they can keep the whole house at a consistent temperature.
These systems often pair with gas or electric furnaces to provide year-round comfort, and this combination forms a complete heating and cooling system. Central AC offers good energy efficiency, especially in newer models.
Alternative Cooling Systems
Not all homes use central AC and some rely on systems such as window air conditioners which are simple units that fit into window openings to cool single rooms.
Heat pumps are another option and can both heat and cool a home. In summer, they work like air conditioners, and in winter, they reverse the process to provide warmth.
Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, work well in dry climates, using water evaporation to cool the air. These systems are often more energy-efficient than traditional AC.
Lastly, some homes use ductless mini-split systems that have an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. They're good choices for homes without ductwork as the installation is straightforward.
Air Conditioning and Energy Use
Air conditioners rely on electricity to cool homes and buildings, rarely gas. We'll explore how different AC systems use energy and their impacts on utility costs.
Gas-Powered AC Units
Gas-powered air conditioning is rare in homes and most gas AC units are found in large commercial buildings. These systems use natural gas or propane to power an engine that runs the compressor, although the cooling process still needs electricity for fans and controls.
Gas AC can lower electricity use but may increase overall energy costs because natural gas prices affect operating expenses. Installation is more complex than electric units, and maintenance needs are higher too.
We don't recommend gas AC for homes as the HVAC industry focuses on electric systems for residential use. Gas units are better suited for industrial cooling where large amounts of waste heat can be utilized.
Electricity and Air Conditioning
Electric air conditioners are the norm for homes and most businesses, plugging into the power grid and using motors to run compressors and fans. Energy use varies by AC type and efficiency rating, and central air systems typically use more power than window units or mini-splits. Newer models with high SEER ratings cut energy consumption significantly.
Here are a few tips to use your AC more effectively for lower utility bills:
- Set thermostats a few degrees higher
- Use fans to boost air circulation
- Keep units well-maintained
- Upgrade to more efficient models
- Smart thermostats can further reduce costs by optimizing AC run times.
Maintenance and Environmental Considerations
Proper care of air conditioning systems is key for efficiency and environmental protection.
Routine Maintenance and Efficiency
Clean or replace air filters every 1-3 months to ensure your AC works at optimal performance. Yearly professional check-ups also help catch problems early, such as avoiding low refrigerant levels and catching small leaks.
Try to keep outdoor units clear of leaves and debris, trimming plants at least 2 feet back as this helps air flow freely and can boost efficiency.
Programmable thermostats are a handy feature and allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day. This cuts energy use when you’re away or sleeping.
Refrigerants and the Environment
AC refrigerants have changed over time to be more eco-friendly and old R-22 refrigerant is being phased out due to the greenhouse gases it releases. The newer R-410A is much better for the environment. If you have an older AC, you might need to switch to a newer system soon because R-22 is getting harder to find and more expensive.
Refrigerant leaks are bad for the environment and our wallets, making ACs less efficient and harming air quality. This is why it’s important to have a professional technician check for leaks during a visit. Proper disposal of old AC units is also essential as refrigerants must be removed safely to prevent release into the air.
Get in touch to discuss the ideal air-conditioning system for your home.
