You probably already know that natural gas is ideal for cooking food, heating water, heating buildings, fueling vehicles and for running large commercial and industrial equipment. But did you know that it can also keep you cool during warm weather at a lower cost than electric alternatives? Natural gas air conditioning isn't new. In the 1930s and '40s, most of the large tonnage cooling needs in the United States were met by natural gas technologies. As air conditioning became more prolific in the 1960s, electric systems took the lead because of lower capital costs, good efficiency and very low electric rates. Throughout the 1970s, use of electric air conditioning increased while natural gas air conditioning declined, and by 1990, only five percent of all air conditioning in the United States was fueled by natural gas. However, as energy became more scarce and costly during the 1980s, numerous manufacturers both here and in Asia accelerated the development of more efficient natural gas air conditioning.

By 1991, nearly 30 percent of Japan's existing air conditioning needs and 65 percent of new installations were met by natural gas. More recently, China, India and South Korea have made natural gas cooling technologies a preferred choice for developing areas. Its popularity continues to grow, with equipment available from well-known names and manufacturers new to the Southern California marketplace. Large commercial and industrial customers are now enjoying reduced electrical demand and significantly lower annual operating costs. Since many natural gas air conditioning technologies are “thermally driven,” they make an ideal choice for using the waste heat available from onsite electrical generation or cogeneration systems. Currently, they're being used in conjunction with solar hot water systems to provide air conditioning… courtesy of the sun! SoCalGas® proudly supports the many new developments in natural gas air conditioning systems. The new generation of natural gas air conditioning technology provides much higher levels of energy efficiency and reliability than older systems.

How does a natural gas air conditioner operate? Natural gas is burned to heat a water and ammonia mixture, evaporating the ammonia from the water and condensing it outside the home. This ammonia is then decompressed and evaporated around a circulating water system, cooling the water. The water circulates through piping and thus cools the home. What is an Aquatherm heating system? What is a compressor's function on an air conditioner? Most natural-gas-powered air conditioning units for homes are classified as small, direct-fired absorption chillers and use ammonia and water as components. Both these components are environmentally safe. These units use ammonia as the refrigerant while water is the absorbent. In general, absorption units work through the condensation of the refrigerant, which removes heat from the absorbent. This method of air conditioning is perfect for homes with baseboard heating, and does not require duct work to operate. The whole unit works in a cycle, with the beginning and end products of the reaction both being a mixture of ammonia and water.

Initially, the mixture is heated by natural gas and ammonia condenses outside the home in a coil. The ammonia then cools a circulating water system through evaporation at a low pressure. This water system circulates through the home and cools it. After the ammonia evaporates, it is reabsorbed into the water source and then process repeats over again. An HVAC gas pack is a heating and cooling system with the heat pump and the air conditioner housed together in a single unit. are window ac units efficientHVAC gas packs use propane, n...how do split unit air conditioners work How can an air conditioner drain be unclogged?how to tell if ac unit is broken Attaching a wet-dry vacuum to the PVC drain outside the home quickly removes algae, dust, dirt and insects that tend to clog an air conditioner drain line....

What are some common repairs for a home's air conditioner? Some common repairs for a home air conditioner include leaking of refrigerant fluid, sensor issues and dirty units caused by poor maintenance. What are some ways to get electric heat to a room? What is an outdoor wood boiler used for? Does running AC in your car waste gas? Where can you rent a portable heater? How do you identify the cheapest gas price in an area? What are some highly rated pellet stoves according to experts?Gas air conditioning dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, when most Americans relied on natural gas to cool their homes and businesses. Although the technology fell out of favor in the 1960s, with the introduction of then more cost and energy efficient electric cooling systems, gas ac is making a comeback in the commercial and residential market sectors. For contractors and builders, offering gas air conditioner solutions is important today, when so many customers are concerned about energy savings and green living.

New gas air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy than electric air conditioning systems and the average gas air conditioning system lasts 2 to 3 times longer than an electrical unit. Gas AC units require relatively little maintenance and the environmentally friendly ammonia/water absorption process is ideal for areas with strict environmental laws. Before purchasing a gas air conditioner, consider the following: 1. Analyzing the various kinds of gas AC units available for commercial use. 2. Learning about the benefits of gas air conditioners for residential use. 3. Determine how gas air conditioning can positively affect your bottom line and our environment. Decide which type of gas air conditioning unit is best for your commercial client There are three types of gas air conditioners: absorption, engine-driven and desiccant. Absorption natural gas air conditioners use a cycle of condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant or coolant, much like a vapor compression system, while an engine-driven gas AC works like an electric chiller, using a vapor compression cycle.

A desiccant gas powered air conditioner uses two rotating desiccant wheels as part of an evaporative cooling process. Get cutting edge gas ac units for your residential clients The recent increase in demand, by both homeowners and builders, for more energy efficient air conditioning systems has spurred an increase in the production of residential gas ac units. Since green living is a relatively new concept, however, and because high efficiency gas ac is a relatively new technology, there are few companies who manufacture gas powered air conditioners for residential use. Calculate the benefits of gas AC over electric Although high gas air conditioner prices may make it difficult to convince a client, our yourself, that gas air conditioning is the way to go. Gas powered air conditioning, however, is far less expensive to operate and maintain than electric and investors in the technology consistently enjoy a quick return. Gas air conditioning not only reduces your client's long-term energy costs, but can significantly decrease your carbon footprint, as a contractor or builder.