Air Conditioning
We are coming to expect air conditioning in warm weather as much as heating in winter. A good example of this is that there are fewer cars supplied without air conditioning, showing that we expect comfortable conditions wherever we are. Shops and restaurants are now very mindful that customers will not linger long in their establishments if they are not happy with the temperature.
Modern air conditioning systems have the capability to heat as well as cool, and are often much more energy efficient than heating by more traditional means. Air conditioning systems can also be cheaper and easier to install as one system.
It is now well known that some refrigerants formerly in widespread use contained CFCs which are ozone depleting and therefore harmful to the environment. These matters were addressed internationally a number of years ago under the Montreal Protocol, and regulations have been phased in to outlaw the release of refrigerant gases into the atmosphere, banning the use of old-style refrigerants such as R22.
