Energy efficient air conditioning

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In most homes the air conditioner is the single largest consumer of energy. Air conditioners put a strain on most people’s energy costs in the summertime. High temperatures make it harder for the unit to work most effectively. Using energy efficient air conditioning can dramatically reduce one’s energy costs- some by forty percent.

Air conditioners can be found as room units or as a central air conditioning unit. Central air is an expensive project and must be installed correctly to work most efficiently. Room air conditioners are a good option for smaller homes or apartments. A room A/C can be a window unit or a portable unit. Window units are less effective because they often lead to leaks and gaps in windows which let cool air out rapidly.

Portable units can be moved from room to room; this is a positive benefit because one doesn’t have to cool a room they aren’t in. It’s important when purchasing a room unit to judge the amount of space being cooled. If a unit is too small for a large room it will be on constantly and burn lots of energy; if a unit is too large for a small room energy is wasted by cool air being blasted out in excessive amounts. A good reference point for this would be a room of about 350 to 400 sq ft will need a 9,000 BTU air conditioner.

Central air conditioning units should be installed, ideally on the north side of the home- protected from the sun. If this is not possible then planting shade trees and shrubs around the unit will help keep the unit cool so it can perform optimally. An added bonus is the greenery near the home will also help keep the house cooler.

When purchasing energy efficient units it’s important to take note of the energy efficiency rating. This minimum rating was increased about three years ago, so manufacturers are no longer able to build units below the new minimum. The increase in ratings gives the consumer a thirty percent decrease in energy consumption.
Central air conditioning units are rated with a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) number. The previous minimum for manufactures was ten; this has been raised to thirteen. While homes can have units that range from 6.0 to 21.0 manufactures are no longer allowed to produce a product less than 13. For the ideal unit a consumer should look for is a SEER of at least thirteen or fourteen.

With room energy efficient air conditioners the higher the EER (energy efficiency rating) the better, but room size should also be a major factor as well. No matter how energy efficient a unit is if it’s the wrong size it will not be effective.

Once the energy efficient air conditioning is installed there are a few tips that will help a homeowner further save money:

•Leave the thermostat at one temperature. Dropping the temp to cool the house quickly will not cool the house any faster. If the thermostat is set to seventy eight it will take the same amount of time to get to seventy eight as it would if it was set to seventy.

•For the most energy savings the thermostat should stay at seventy eight in the summer and sixty eight in the winter.

•While natural sunlight is perfect for energy efficient lighting, closing the curtains when not in the room will help the house retain cool air. Opening the curtains at night will allow heat to escape as well.

•Keep the air filter clean, check it every couple of months or so. A clean filter can increase efficiency by five to fifteen percent.

•Make sure ducts are in good condition with no holes or cracks.

•Install a reflective film on windows to allow in light but block out heat.

•Check all entryways and windows, drafts and gaps will let cold air out and allow heat in.

Having an energy efficient air conditioner not only saves the homeowner money but helps the environment too. Going green can actually save come green!

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