The chemicals in air conditioning units can contribute to global warming » Yale Climate Connections

As the seasons change, many people are removing their window air conditioners – and maybe even thinking about replacing them by next summer.

Air conditioning can help protect your health as the climate warms and heat waves grow more intense. But ironically, some of the chemicals used in air conditioners can also contribute to global warming.

A group of coolant chemicals called HFCs can be thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the planet.

And when an air conditioner is thrown away, those chemicals are often released into the atmosphere.

To prevent this problem, used air conditioners need to be disposed of or recycled properly by professionals.

Some cities, like Boston, allow residents to schedule an appointment with the city to haul away a used unit. And elsewhere, you can often contact local utilities or junkyards that know how to handle HFCs.

Some of these programs even offer rewards or rebates in exchange for turning in an AC unit.

Governments around the world have agreed to phase out HFCs over the next few decades.

But if you need to buy a new air conditioner soon, look for one with a less potent HFC known as R-32.

That way, you can stay cool and help keep the planet cool, too.

Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media