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.

I recommend: The gas powered EarthWise CenTraVac system, by Trane, is an engine-driven gas air conditioning unit combined with a conventional electric absorption chiller for maximum performance and efficiency. York sells a commercial absorption unit, or chiller, which you can fuel with natural gas. American Genius Corporation manufactures a gas re-generator that works as a desiccant, in conjunction with an ac unit.

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.

I recommend: Robur, one of the world's leading gas air conditioner manufacturers, features a residential unit that combines gas air conditioning with heating and hot water production. Appropriate for exterior installation, the AYF RTYF series gas powered air conditioner requires virtually no maintenance and can reduce your residential clients' energy bills by nearly 90%. AISIN manufactures residential GHP (gas heat pump) air conditioning units. These gas AC's are highly energy efficient and feature ultra- quiet operation.

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.

I recommend: The Energy Solutions Center features a Payback Calculator to help you determine energy savings from switching from gas to electric air conditioners. Figure out energy savings before building a new development or embarking on a remodel, and share the results with your clients. The Cooling Emissions Calculator is ideal for determining how your commercial clients can reduce their negative environmental impact through switching to gas powered air conditioning.