In a recent post, we mentioned how magnetic air conditioners may be the wave of the future. As our world becomes more and more environmentally-friendly, these A/C units seek to help with this. But what are they? How do they differ from traditional air conditioners? How do they help the environment? Find out all of this and more as we examine magnetic air conditioners.
How Do Magnetic Air Conditioners Work?
First, we explained how traditional air conditioners work in a previous blog post. What about magnetic air conditioners? Well, they utilize a phenomenon called the “magnetocaloric effect.” Materials in magnets heat up when they enter a magnetic field, and cool down when removed from it. So, these air conditioners will cool the air by exposing its magnets to a magnetic field repeatedly and quickly to produce a greater amount of magnetocaloric effect. Then, the cool air produced will blow into the room.
Magnetic Air Conditioners vs. Traditional Air Conditioners
Second, consider these basic differences between magnetic air conditioners and traditional ones.
- Magnetic A/Cs use water to cool an environment, as opposed to relying on refrigerants like HFCs or CFCs (now illegal).
- Magnetic ones do not need compressors or condensers like traditional ones.
- Magnetic A/Cs could shortly become less expensive and more efficient than traditional A/Cs.
Cost, Efficiency, and More
Third, as mentioned above, magnetic air conditions could very soon become less expensive and more efficient than traditional air conditioners. Especially since they’ll use less electricity. In fact, magnetic refrigeration was used to reach a temperature even lower than 0.3K (which is -459º F)! Now that’s cold!
However, we’re probably a couple years away from air conditioners like these being available for public use. Furthermore, when they will be introduced, they’ll likely be much more expensive than traditional air conditioners for a few years. Nevertheless, since they do not need refrigerants to make things cool, they’re much better for the environment. Thus, it’s entirely possible they’ll be available sooner than you might think!
Be Cool with Kinkaid!
Although magnetic air conditioners aren’t yet available to the public, you can still keep cool with Kinkaid! Contact us for all of your HVAC needs – whether you want a new unit installed, or need cleanings or repairs. We’d love to have your business!