Cooling equipment is essential for residential and commercial buildings in hot climates, but it\u2019s also used throughout much of the country. Not all climates are created equal, however. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Humidity levels in a tropical environment can tax an air conditioner much differently than a dry desert climate. Understanding the impact of climate on cooling equipment will ensure you choose the right system and maintain peak performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An AC Device (air conditioner)<\/a> functions by pulling heat from indoors and expelling it to the outside environment. This process makes temperature an important factor, but it isn\u2019t the only element of climate that impacts cooling equipment performance. Climate also includes humidity levels and even altitude, which can play a role in cooling efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat is easier to move from one place to another when there is a large temperature difference between them. As the outside temperature increases, your cooling system can become less efficient. A condenser has more difficulty expelling heat when the air surrounding it is already hot. This can lead to higher energy consumption for the same amount of cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot, dry climates like desert areas experience some of the highest temperatures in the country. However, humidity tends to be very low in these areas. This aspect of the climate impacts how cooling equipment deals with heat transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dry heat only contains sensible heat, which can be measured by a thermometer. Latent cooling involves removing water from the air, which requires extra energy. Because there is little humidity in dry climates, cooling systems don\u2019t use as much energy for latent cooling. This can help your equipment run better in hot, dry climates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humidity also affects cooling performance, as air conditioners have to remove water from the air as well as heat. Climates with hot, humid summers like tropical and subtropical climates require extra energy for this latent cooling to take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air conditioners used in humid climates often need to have a higher capacity or advanced dehumidification capabilities. Spaces can still feel uncomfortably sticky if the AC isn\u2019t keeping up with moisture in the air. This is why cooling costs can be higher in humid areas vs. drier areas with similar temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may think that cooling systems are unnecessary in colder climates, but that isn\u2019t always true. Climate refers to annual weather conditions, and many colder regions of the country still get hot during the summer. Equipment that is sized to accommodate the hottest days of the year will cycle on and off more during milder temperatures, leading to inefficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cooling systems in northern climates also have to perform across a greater span of temperatures throughout the year. This can impact how wear and tear affects equipment over time. If you live in an area with a large temperature swing throughout the year, look for systems that can operate efficiently across that range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Altitude can also affect cooling equipment performance. Cooling systems are typically optimized for sea-level conditions. Since air pressure decreases at higher altitudes, the air becomes less dense as elevation increases. This also affects heat transfer through cooling equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air conditioning units used at high altitudes may have different specifications than those at sea level. If you live in the mountains, check with your cooling equipment manufacturer to make sure it\u2019s designed to account for your altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climate affects how much energy your cooling system will require to do its job. The fuel economy of a vehicle with air conditioning can decrease by as much as 25 percent when running in hot weather. Cooling equipment experiences similar patterns of increased energy use when working harder to keep spaces comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climate change is also causing cooling demand to rise around the country. Higher temperatures mean higher energy bills and can overload grid capacity during warm weather months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all types of cooling equipment are affected by climate equally. Radiant cooling system performance, for example, is affected by humidity levels. Studies show that radiant cooling can reduce energy use by up to 33 percent, but the climate you live in can impact how well it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Radiant cooling systems don\u2019t remove moisture from the air like a traditional air conditioner. This can cause issues if you live in a climate with high humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manufacturers design cooling equipment to run efficiently in different climates. Some air conditioners come with supplemental dehumidification capabilities for use in humid climates. Other systems are made to run as efficiently as possible in hot, dry climates where dehumidification is less of a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Variable refrigerant flow systems are becoming more popular due to their ability to scale up or down depending on thermal load. Because these systems adapt to current conditions, they can save energy in any climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When designing a building, climate should play a role in how you plan to cool the space. From insulation requirements to window placement and beyond, all of these things can affect your cooling system\u2019s ability to do its job. If a building isn\u2019t designed with the climate in mind, it will never operate efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHot & Dry Climates <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hot & Humid Climates <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cold Climates <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Altitude <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Effects on Energy Consumption <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Radiant Cooling <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AC Manufacturing Adjustments <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Building Design Considerations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n