The problem is simple: Burning fuels for energy releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which screws with our climate. One novel new proposal suggests converting all the world's power-hogging air conditioners from contributing to the problem to becoming part of the solution. The idea is that air conditioners can be retrofitted with existing technology enabling the cooling units to also collect carbon dioxide and water vapor from the ambient air. The system would then take those ingredients and convert them, on site, into synthetic liquid fuels that can be used in place of the fossil fuel-based stuff that has put us in this climate mess in the first place. "Anecdotally, A/C is amongst the most useful inventions of the twentieth century. With continued global warming, the prevalence of A/C will likely become more pervasive. Perhaps the use of A/C for making hydrocarbon fuels, if adapted globally as suggested, could be A/C 2.0 of the twenty-first century," reads a letter … [Read more...] about Scientists lay out plan to use air conditioners to save the world
Ruud central air conditioner
What if Air Conditioners Could Help Save the Planet Instead of Destroying It?
Earth’s climate is full of terrifying feedback loops: Decreased rainfall raises the risk of wildfires, which release yet more carbon dioxide. A warming Arctic could trigger the release of long-frozen methane, which would heat the planet even faster than carbon. A lesser-known climate feedback loop, though, is likely mere feet from where you’re sitting: the air conditioner. Use of the energy-intensive appliance causes emissions that contribute to higher global temperatures, which means we’re all using AC more, producing more emissions and more warming. But what if we could weaponize air conditioning units to help pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere instead? According to a new paper in Nature, it’s feasible. Using technology currently in development, AC units in skyscrapers and even your home could get turned into machines that not only capture CO2, but transform the stuff into a fuel for powering vehicles that are difficult to electrify, like cargo ships. … [Read more...] about What if Air Conditioners Could Help Save the Planet Instead of Destroying It?
Wi-Fi climate control goes portable with this connected air conditioner
Italian company De'Longhi displayed its newest portable air conditioner, the Pinguino, at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago on Saturday. Wi-Fi-enabled and app-connected, this portable air conditioning unit makes remote control and voice assisted climate control possible without a smart thermostat and central HVAC. The large, white plastic unit isn't a looker, but it can cool up to 500 square feet and has cooling, dehumidifying, fan and heat modes. Connect Pinguino to the De'Longhi PAC app on your iPhone or Android device and you'll be able to control the unit remotely. Inside the app, you can set your preferences for temperature, create a schedule, adjust fan speeds and select the right mode. Pinguino is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you'll be able to use voice commands to adjust settings. The model has a built-in BioSilver air filter to trap dust and keep mold, bacteria and mildew at bay.The Pinguino Smart 4-in-1 Portable Air … [Read more...] about Wi-Fi climate control goes portable with this connected air conditioner
Samsung, LG introduce AI-based air conditioners.
The new cooling system features Samsung's Bixby digital assistance to better control temperature, humidity and air quality. It also allows users to control other Samsung appliances connected via Wi-Fi, such as wall-mounted air conditioners, air purifiers and TVs, the company said. "The new wind-free air conditioners based on AI technology upgraded the air purification function and presents a cool design," Lee Jae-hwan, a senior official at Samsung's consumer electronics division, said during a media event. "We will step up efforts to develop the air care technologies to help consumers better withstand heat waves and fine dust." The company also said its sleek design will seamlessly blend with the interior design to cater to discerning consumers. Samsung's new air conditioners will be available beginning next Thursday. On Thursday, its smaller rival LG Electronics Inc. launched new Whisen ThinQ air conditioners outfitted with AI-based voice assistant and air purifying … [Read more...] about Samsung, LG introduce AI-based air conditioners.
Sensibo Sky review: A pricey but near-perfect smart controller for your air conditioner (Update: Discount coupon)
Update 1: 2018/10/09 2:03am PDT Discount coupon Article Contents1 The Good2 The Not So Good3 Hardware and setup4 Android application5 Smart home integration6 Should you buy it?6.1 Buy it if6.2 Don't buy it if If you live in a house with no central climate control, or if you're making an expansion to your house and it's impossible to get a ducted system in place, a ductless setup may be your only hope. Nest, Ecobee, and the dozen other smart thermostats we often talk about aren't compatible with ductless systems, so you have to start thinking creatively if you want connected climate control. The solution comes in the form of small units that can send the same infrared signals as an air conditioner's (AC) remote, but that are themselves WiFi-enabled for remote access. Earlier this summer, I reviewed the Cielo Breez, one of the potential candidates that can smarten up your AC, heat pump, or floor standing unit. I praised it a lot, but was slightly letdown by the outdated … [Read more...] about Sensibo Sky review: A pricey but near-perfect smart controller for your air conditioner (Update: Discount coupon)