July 10, 2015
Is Using Air Conditioning Bad?
In a recently published article in TIME Magazine, the pros and cons of air conditioning was discussed. While Texas residents consider good air conditioning vital, there are some issues and benefits with using it.
Badly maintained air conditioning systems can make you sick, like worsening asthma problems and allergies. the article also mentions the “sick building syndrome”. People who spend most of their day in an office building may complain of “nasal congestion, breathing problems, headaches, fatigue and irritated skin”. These complaints can be caused by microorganisms and molds that may grow in under maintained air conditioning systems
The article also discusses air conditioning’s harmful impact on the planet. By our extended and lavish use of air conditioning we use much more energy, which increases global warming. If your system is not properly maintained, you’re going to use even more energy because your system isn’t working as efficiently as possible.
However, there are some important benefits discussed, too. Using air conditioning improves your indoor air quality. Because the air conditioning system filters the air it circulates, outdoor pollutants like pollen, dust and chemicals are reduced in the air inside. THe use of air conditioning in the Dallas Fort Worth metro saves lives every summer in our 100 degree heat. Without it, people can suffer heat related illnesses and possibly death.
So, what can you do to keep yourself and the planet healthier, while staying comfortable? Use the air conditioning a little less. By keeping the thermostat a little higher in the summer means your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard. This means your energy usage – and your electric bill – goes down, which decreases your A/C’s environmental impact. The article also discusses other potential health benefits by using the air conditioning less.
You should also keep your system properly maintained. Having Berkeys provide a yearly air conditioning tune-up helps your equipment run at or as closely as possible to the original factory specifications, depending on age and overall condition. When your equipment runs efficiently it doesn’t have to run as long to do the job. And when the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard, it lasts longer.
Often, Berkeys technicians find small problems that can be fixed quickly and inexpensively during the tune-up process. If neglected, these same issues can cause quite a dent in your wallet and result in the need for costly air conditioner repair services. For example, a refrigerant leak can be repaired easily and affordably if found early. But, if the leak goes undetected, it can drain the refrigerant and damage the compressor. A compressor can cost up to $1,000 to replace. And before the compressor breaks, the system will run inefficiently using a lot more electricity than it should, which means higher utility bills.
You can call Berkeys Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical 24/7. Berkeys is located at 2875 Market Loop, Southlake, TX, 76092 or on Facebook at Facebook.com/Berkeys.
Berkeys Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical services the greater DFW area including, but not limited to: Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, Keller, Arlington, Grapevine, Flower Mound, McKinney, Irving and more. Check out Berkeys Plumbing AC and Electrical reviews or see Berkeys A+ BBB Rating to confirm Berkeys is a company you can trust.