Life Cycle Optimization of Residential Air Conditioner Replacement

3.5 End‐of‐LifeIt was assumed that the CAC unit is removed at the end of life and 85% of the refrigerant isrecovered (Arthur D. Little, Inc., 2002). Since the units are constructed from highly recyclablemetals, it is assumed that 90% of the unit is recycled at end of life. The remaining material isassumed to be landfilled. The energy and GHG emission factors compiled by Kim (2003) wereused to calculate the burdens associated with disposal.3.6 Life Cycle Energy and GHG ProfilesThe energy, GHG emissions, and consumer costs associated with an average 2009 CAC unit(SEER = 13.9) operating in Ann Arbor are shown in Figure 3.8 and Figure 3.9 below for thevarious phases of the lifecycle. These results include the dynamic parameters presented inChapter 4 in order to model the 2009 unit.1000000100000100001000100101956249281032 1147Production(EIO‐LCA)Production(Process LCA)Primary Energy (MJ)357633274923501036262Transport Use EOLGHG (kg CO2 eq.)Figure 3.8: Life Cycle Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions of New Unit in Ann Arbor,MI (2009 ‐2025)$6,000$5,000$4,000$3,000$2,000$1,000$0$1,639$1,608Purchase Costs$1,925$3,150Operating CostsRepair and MaintenanceCostEnergy CostsInstallation CostsEquipment CostFigure 3.9: Life Cycle Cost of New Unit in Ann Arbor, MI (2009‐2025)