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Energy Saving tip - The Right Equipment

Efficiency

When choosing between units with similar prices, capacities and features, energy efficiency should be the deciding factor. Even though an energy efficient unit may be higher priced, it may the be best buy. High efficiency appliances cost less to operate and can pay back the extra initial cost many times over during their lifetimes.

All room air conditioners bear bright yellow EnergyGuide labels which provide information on energy efficiency. EnergyGuide labels are mandated by Congress as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975. The label displays an energy efficiency rating (EER) in large black numbers. The higher the rating, the more efficient the appliance. Units with an EER of 9.0 or above are considered very efficient. To help You compare units, a range for competing air room conditioners of the same cooling capacity is printed on the EnergyGuide label below the EER.

The label also provides a cost/use chart to calculate the cost of operating the appliance based on local electricity rates and expected hours of use.

Central air conditioners are rated according to their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Like the EER, the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. To compare the efficiency of two units with equal cooling capacity, take the difference in SEER's and divide by the large SEER. For example, if system A has a SEER of 6, and system, B has a SEER of 8, system B will provide the same amount of cooling as system A while consuming 25% less energy (8 - 6 =2; 2/8 = .25).

Finally, compare warranties and maintenance agreements when buying an air conditioner.

Installation

An improperly installed unit, even one with a very high efficiency rating, will waste energy. Whether you install the unit yourself or hire a professional, the following installation tips should be followed. Remember that each unit has specific installation requirements. Therefore, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. In addition, it is important to install the unit in a shaded spot on the house's north side or east side because direct sunshine on the unit's outdoor heat exchanger decreases efficiency. If your system is already exposed to the sun, a shading device such as an awning will protect the unit. Also, do not try to hide the unit's external part behind shrubbery. The shrubbery reduces the unit's ability to exhaust air and lowers its efficiency. Plenty of air circulation is mandatory. Room air conditioners must be installed on a flat, even surface so that the inside drainage system and other mechanisms operate efficiently.

The room air conditioner should fit snugly inside the sleeve. Make sure the unit's front and rear filter plates, top and side flanges and the gasketing on all four sides are waterproofed. Also, provide for effective storm water drainage.

Finally, verify that your home's electrical system can meet the unit's power requirements. Room units operate on 115-volt or 230-volt circuits. The standard household receptacle is a connection for a 115-volt branch circuit. Large room units rated at 115 volts may require a dedicated circuit and room units rated at 230 volts may require installation of a special circuit. If in doubt about your wiring, consult an electrician or electric utility. An HVAC contractor should install your central air conditioner.
 
Energy Saving tip - Regular Maintenance

Maintenance and Operation

A dusty filter reduces air flow. Examine your unit's air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping your filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%.

Room units should be covered or removed and stored in the winter.

Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls and carpet. Channels usually can be cleaned by passing a stiff wire through them.

Holes in the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame allow cool air to escape from your home. Moisture can damage this seal so inspect it annually to see that it makes contact with the unit's metal case.

Coils can become clogged with dust. To clean room air conditioner coils, first unplug the unit. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the interior heat exchanger; the exterior heat exchanger may be cleaned using water from a garden hose.

You may wish to install a timer. When leaving home, you can set the timer so that the unit turns on a half hour before you return. This should be enough time to cool the room. Before purchasing a timer, you must make sure that it can handle the electrical load; otherwise, the timer could be a fire hazard. For central air conditioners, a programmable thermostat will control the unit.

For a central air conditioning unit, make sure the ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas.

Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.
 
Energy Saving tip - Weatherstrip Your House

Weatherstrip all doors and windows.

Close all unnecessary openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows.

Set the thermostat to 780 F. Setting the thermostat down to 720 F would increase your cooling costs 12 to 47%, depending on where you live.

Do not set the thermostat lower than the desired temperature when you first turn it on. It will not cool faster; it mill only cool to a lower temperature than necessary and waste energy.

Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it's humid, set the speed on low; you will get less cooling but more from the air which will make it feel cooler.

Do not position heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, near the thermostat. The heat they produce "fools" the thermostat and causes the unit to run longer than necessary.

Keep out sun with louvers or awnings on the outside of your windows, or draw draperies, blinds, or shades indoors. Keep storm windows closed.

Limit heat and humidity producing tasks like cooking and laundering to early morning or late evening.

Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans sparingly.