CO₂ air conditioners are reshaping sustainable cooling with tech that blends efficiency and eco-friendliness. Unlike traditional units using high-GWP HFCs, they rely on CO₂—a natural refrigerant with ODP 0 and GWP 1, eliminating ozone harm and cutting carbon footprints sharply.
Their technical edge lies in the transcritical cycle. CO₂ operates above its critical point, enabling faster heat transfer than phase-change refrigerants. Even at 40°C+, cooling capacity dips only ~10%, outperforming traditional models that lose 20%+ efficiency. Paired with small, high-pressure components, this design also reduces system size, fitting tight spaces like urban apartments or small shops.
Practically, they shine in diverse climates. European cafes use them for consistent cooling year-round, while Nordic homes leverage their low-temperature heating ability (down to -20°C) to replace gas heaters. As regulations like the EU’s F-Gas ban tighten, CO₂ air conditioners have become a go-to for businesses and households aiming for greener, cost-effective climate control.
