Home air conditioning is a necessity for many people, especially during the hot summer months. But did you know that air conditioning also contributes to climate change, which makes the summers even hotter and longer? How can you balance your comfort and your environmental impact when it comes to cooling your home? In this blog post, we will explore the following topics:

• How air conditioning affects climate change and vice versa
• The different types of home air conditioners and their pros and cons
• The best air conditioner models for 2022 and 2023 based on expert reviews
• The tax incentives available for buying and installing energy-efficient air conditioners

By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how to choose and use home air conditioning wisely and responsibly.

How Air Conditioning Affects Climate Change and Vice Versa

Air conditioning is a double-edged sword when it comes to climate change. On one hand, it helps us cope with the rising temperatures and extreme heat waves that are becoming more frequent and severe due to global warming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat stress is responsible for more than 160,000 deaths per year worldwide¹. Air conditioning can prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths, as well as improve productivity, comfort, and quality of life.

On the other hand, air conditioning also contributes to climate change by increasing the demand for electricity, which is often generated from fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), air conditioners account for about 10% of global electricity consumption². Moreover, some air conditioners use refrigerants that are potent greenhouse gases themselves, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). If left unchecked, the growing use of air conditioning could offset the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Therefore, it is important to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioning while still enjoying its benefits. Some of the solutions include:

• Improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners by using better technology and design
• Replacing or phasing out HFCs with alternative refrigerants that have lower global warming potential
• Adopting passive cooling strategies such as shading, insulation, ventilation, and natural materials
• Using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to run air conditioners
• Raising awareness and changing behavior to optimize the use of air conditioners

The Different Types of Home Air Conditioners and Their Pros and Cons

There are various types of home air conditioners, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Central air conditioners: These are systems that cool the entire home by distributing cold air through ducts and vents. They are usually controlled by a thermostat and can be integrated with smart home devices. They are ideal for large spaces that need uniform cooling. However, they are also expensive to buy and install, require regular maintenance, and may lose some energy through duct leaks.
• Window air conditioners: These are units that fit in a window opening and cool a single room or area. They are easy to install and remove, relatively affordable, and efficient for small spaces. However, they are also noisy, block natural light and views, reduce security, and may not fit in some windows.
• Portable air conditioners: These are units that can be moved from room to room on wheels. They have a hose that vents hot air outside through a window or a wall. They are convenient, flexible, and suitable for spaces where window or wall units are not allowed or feasible. However, they are also bulky, heavy, noisy, less efficient than window units, and require manual draining of condensate water.
• Ductless mini-split air conditioners: These are systems that consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor evaporator units that are connected by pipes. They can cool different zones independently without using ducts. They are quiet, efficient, and customizable. However, they are also costly to buy and install, require professional installation, and may affect the aesthetics of your home.

The Best Air Conditioner Models for 2022 and 2023 Based on Expert Reviews

If you are looking for a new air conditioner for your home, you may want to consider some of the top models that have been rated highly by experts and consumers. Here are some of the best air conditioner models for 2022 and 2023 based on various sources³⁴⁵:

• Best central air conditioner overall: Lennox SL28XCV. This model has a SEER rating of 28, which is one of the highest in the market. It is also ENERGY STAR certified, solar-ready, and compatible with smart thermostats. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty on covered components. It costs around $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the size and installation.
• Best central air conditioner for value: Goodman GSXC18. This model has a SEER rating of 18, which is above the minimum requirement of 14. It is also ENERGY STAR certified and has a lifetime compressor warranty and a 10-year parts warranty. It costs around $3,200 to $6,000 depending on the size and installation.
• Best window air conditioner overall: LG LW1217ERSM. This model has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, which can cool a room of up to 550 square feet. It is also ENERGY STAR certified and has a smart Wi-Fi feature that allows you to control it remotely with your smartphone or voice assistant. It has a noise level of 52 dB and an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 12.1. It costs around $400 to $500.
• Best window air conditioner for small rooms: Frigidaire FFRE053WAE. This model has a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTU, which can cool a room of up to 150 square feet. It is also ENERGY STAR certified and has an EER of 12.2. It has a noise level of 51 dB and a remote control. It costs around $200 to $300.
• Best portable air conditioner overall: Whynter ARC-1230WN. This model has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, which can cool a room of up to 400 square feet. It is also dual-hose, which means it has two hoses that vent hot air outside, making it more efficient than single-hose models. It has an EER of 11 and a self-evaporative system that reduces the need for draining water. It costs around $500 to $600.
• Best portable air conditioner for budget: Serene Life SLPAC10. This model has a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, which can cool a room of up to 300 square feet. It is also single-hose, which means it has one hose that vents hot air outside, making it less efficient than dual-hose models. It has an EER of 8.9 and a manual water drain system that requires emptying the water tank periodically. It costs around $300 to $400.
• Best ductless mini-split air conditioner overall: Mitsubishi MSZ-FH15NA/MUZ-FH15NAH. This model has a cooling capacity of 15,000 BTU, which can cool a room of up to 600 square feet. It is also ENERGY STAR certified and has a SEER rating of 26.1. It has a variable-speed compressor that adjusts the output according to the demand, making it more efficient and quiet than fixed-speed models. It comes with a wireless remote control and an optional Wi-Fi adapter for smart control. It costs around $2,500 to $4,000 depending on the size and installation.
• Best ductless mini-split air conditioner for value: Pioneer WYS012AMFI19RL-16. This model has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, which can cool a room of up to 500 square feet. It is also ENERGY STAR certified and has a SEER rating of 19.5. It has a fixed-speed compressor that runs at full power when turned on, making it less efficient and quiet than variable-speed models. It comes with a wireless remote control and an optional Wi-Fi adapter for smart control. It costs around $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the size and installation.

The Tax Incentives Available for Buying and Installing Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners

If you are planning to buy and install an energy-efficient air conditioner for your home, you may be eligible for some tax incentives that can help you reduce your costs. The federal Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, expanded and extended the tax credits available for energy-efficient home improvements, including HVAC system components⁶. An array of ENERGY STAR certified equipment is eligible for the tax credits, including:

• Air-source heat pumps
• Biomass fuel stoves
• Boilers
• Central air conditioners

The tax credit is effective for products purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032. You can claim:

• 30% of project cost
• $600 maximum amount credited for central air conditioners

There are also annual limits on the total amount of credit you can claim for any combination of eligible products, as well as specific limits for certain types of products. The overall total limit for an efficiency tax credit is $5,000 per taxpayer. The specific limits for certain types of products are:

• $300 for air-source heat pumps
• $300 for biomass fuel stoves
• $150 for boilers
• $50 for advanced main air circulating fans

To claim the tax credit, you will need to file Form 5695 with your federal income tax return. You will also need to keep a copy of the manufacturer’s certification statement and your receipt or invoice as proof of purchase and installation. irs.gov.

The tax credit is nonrefundable, which means it can only reduce your tax liability to zero. If your credit amount exceeds your tax liability, you cannot carry over the excess to future years. However, you can claim the credit in the same year as other tax credits, such as the residential renewable energy tax credit or the electric vehicle tax credit.

The tax credit is not available for rental properties or second homes. It is only available for your main home where you live most of the time. The home must be located in the United States and be an existing home, not a new construction.

For more information on the tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional.

By taking advantage of the tax incentives available for buying and installing energy-efficient air conditioners, you can not only save money on your cooling bills, but also reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change. It’s a win-win situation for you and the planet!

The post Home Air Conditioning: How to Stay Cool and Save Money appeared first on The Greener Electron.

Electric cooking is a great way to prepare delicious meals while saving energy, money, and the environment. Electric cooking appliances, such as cooktops, ranges, and wall ovens, use electricity instead of gas to heat your food. This means they do not produce harmful emissions or pollutants that can affect your health and the climate. Electric cooking also offers more precise and consistent temperature control, faster heating and cooling, and easier cleaning than gas cooking.

But what are the differences between electric and induction cooking? And how can you afford to switch to electric cooking appliances with the help of the Inflation Reduction Act? And what are some of the top models of electric and induction cooktops that you can buy today? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more.

Electric vs. Induction Cooking

Electric and induction cooking are both types of electric cooking, but they use different methods to heat your cookware and food. Electric cooktops use metal coils under a glass or ceramic surface to generate heat waves that transfer to your pots and pans through infrared energy. Induction cooktops use copper coils under a glass surface to create an electromagnetic field that heats your cookware directly.

Both electric and induction cooktops have their pros and cons. Here are some of the main ones:

• Efficiency – Induction cooktops are more efficient than electric cooktops because they transfer heat directly to the cookware without losing much energy in the process. Induction cooktops can deliver up to 90% of the electromagnetic energy generated to the food in the pan, compared to as little as 38% of the energy generated in gas ranges¹. Electric cooktops are still more efficient than gas cooktops, but they lose some energy as heat waves travel through the air and the surface.
• Speed – Induction cooktops are faster than electric cooktops because they heat up and cool down almost instantly. Induction cooktops can boil water in half the time as electric or gas cooktops¹. Electric cooktops take longer to heat up and cool down because they rely on thermal conduction rather than electromagnetic radiation.
• Safety – Induction cooktops are safer than electric cooktops because they do not get hot themselves. The surface of an induction cooktop remains cool to the touch even when it is on. This reduces the risk of burns or fires. Electric cooktops get hot when they are in use and stay hot for a while after they are turned off. This can pose a hazard for children or pets who may touch them accidentally.
• Cost – Electric cooktops are cheaper than induction cooktops because they use simpler technology and materials. The average cost of an electric cooktop ranges from $300 to $1,000², while the average cost of an induction cooktop ranges from $700 to $2,500³. However, induction cooktops can save you money in the long run because they use less energy and require less maintenance than electric or gas cooktops.
• Compatibility – Electric cooktops are compatible with any type of cookware that can withstand high temperatures. Induction cooktops are compatible only with magnetic cookware that contains iron or steel. You can check if your cookware is compatible with induction by using a magnet. If it sticks to the bottom of your pot or pan, it will work with induction. If not, you may need to buy new cookware or use an adapter plate.

The Inflation Reduction Act and Electric Cooking Appliances

The Inflation Reduction Act is a federal legislation that was passed in 2022 to address various issues related to climate change, infrastructure, social welfare, and economic recovery. The act includes many provisions that aim to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors, including transportation, electricity, buildings, and industry.

One of the provisions of the act is to provide rebates for consumers who purchase new electric appliances, including electric cooking appliances such as cooktops, ranges, and wall ovens. The rebates are funded by $4.5 billion allocated to states for this purpose⁴. The states will decide how to distribute the rebates according to their own criteria and programs.

The amount of rebate you can receive depends on your income level and the type of appliance you buy. The act provides a rough framework for determining the rebate amount:

• If your income is between 80% and 150% of your local area median income (AMI), you can receive a rebate of 50% of the price of your electric appliance, up to a maximum of $840.
• If your income is below 80% of your AMI, you can receive a rebate of 100% of the price of your electric appliance, up to $840.
• If your income is above 150% of your AMI, you do not qualify for a rebate.

You can calculate your AMI by using this tool⁵. You can also check if there are any additional rebates or incentives available in your state by using this database⁶.

The rebate program is expected to start in 2023, but you may want to start planning ahead and looking for the best electric cooking appliances for your home. Here are some of the top models that we recommend, based on our research and reviews.

Top Electric and Induction Cooktops

If you are looking for a new electric or induction cooktop, you may want to consider these models that offer excellent performance, features, and value.

• GE Profile Smart Double Oven Electric Range – This is our top pick for the best overall electric range. It has a double oven, an air-fryer, and a smart appliance all-in-one. It has a large capacity of 6.6 cubic feet and a true convection oven that provides even and consistent heat. It also has a WiFi connectivity feature that allows you to control it remotely with your smartphone or voice assistant. It costs $2,699 at AJ Madison⁷.
• Samsung Electric Convection+ Range – This is our top pick for the best convection electric range. It has a 6.3-cubic-foot oven with a convection+ technology that circulates hot air faster and more evenly. It also has a steam clean function that makes it easy to remove grease and food residue. It costs $899 at Home Depot⁸.
• Café Slide-In Smart Induction Range – This is our top pick for the best splurge induction range. It has a sleek and stylish design with customizable knobs and handles. It has a 5.7-cubic-foot oven with a true European convection system that delivers precise and accurate heat. It also has a WiFi connectivity feature that allows you to control it remotely with your smartphone or voice assistant. It costs $3,599 at AJ Madison⁹.
• Frigidaire Gallery Electric Range with Air Fry – This is our top pick for the best electric range with air fry. It has a 5.4-cubic-foot oven with an air fry function that lets you make crispy and healthy food without oil. It also has a quick preheat function that heats the oven in less than six minutes. It costs $1,099 at Home Depot⁴.
• KitchenAid Slide-In Induction Range – This is our top pick for the best induction range. It has a 7.1-cubic-foot oven with an even-heat true convection system that ensures consistent heat throughout the oven. It also has a steam rack that adds moisture to the oven for enhanced cooking results. It costs $2,699 at Home Depot¹⁰.

Conclusion

Electric cooking is a smart choice for anyone who wants to save energy, money, and the environment while enjoying delicious meals. Electric cooking appliances offer more advantages than gas cooking appliances in terms of efficiency, speed, safety, and cleanliness.

If you are thinking about switching to electric cooking appliances, you may be able to benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act’s rebate program that will start in 2023. The program will provide rebates for consumers who buy new electric appliances based on their income level and appliance type.

If you are looking for the best electric or induction cooktops for your home, you may want to check out some of the top models that we recommended above. They offer excellent performance, features, and value for different needs and preferences.

We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on electric cooking for homes. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or contact us at The Greener Electron. Thank you for reading our blog!

The post Electric Cooking for Homes: Benefits, Costs, and Top Models appeared first on The Greener Electron.