Transaera has raised a $4.5 million seed round led by Energy Impact Partners to build energy-sipping air conditioners.

Why it matters: Cooling is among the most vexing challenges in decarbonization, and Transaera's product aims to address the issue in an efficient manner.

What's happening: Carrier Ventures, the venture arm of the air conditioning giant, participated in the funding, as did the French manufacturing multinational Saint-Gobain and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

Of note: Transaera is a finalist for the prestigious Global Cooling Prize.

How it works: Air conditioners both cool and dehumidify.

What's next: Transaera has developed prototypes and it's aiming for commercial production in two years, with an eye toward a "hybrid" revenue mode.