Common Sense Can Save Big Bucks on Air Conditioning Costs

During hot summer months, we often crank up the air conditioner when we’re feeling hot. But don’t forget to use common sense methods of keeping cool too. It could save you big bucks on your cooling costs. The article  from Care2 referenced below focuses on tips for your home, but the same principles can easily be applied to your business as well.

And if all else fails, use ice. Like Fido here, or my personal favorite, in a tall glass of the beverage of your choice.
And if all else fails, use ice like Fido here, or my personal favorite, in a tall glass of your beverage of choice.

Top Ten Tips for Keeping Cool With or Without Using Your Air Conditioner

1. Reduce the cooling load by employing cost-effective conservation measures. Provide effective shade for east and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evening on hot days.

2. Over most of the cooling season, keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. Ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.

3. You can help get rid of unwanted heat through ventilation if the temperature of the incoming air is 77 F or lower. (This strategy works most effectively at night and on cooler days.) Window fans for ventilation are a good option if used properly. They should be located on the downwind side of the house facing out. A window should be open in each room. Interior doors must remain open to allow air flow.

4. Use ceiling fans to increase comfort levels at higher thermostat settings. The standard human comfort range for light clothing in the summer is between 72 F and 78 F. To extend the comfort range to 82 F, you need a breeze of about 2.5 ft/sec or 1.7 mph. A sow-turning ceiling-mounted paddle fan can easily provide this air flow.

5. In hot climates, plant shade trees around the house. Don’t plant trees on the South if you want to benefit from passive solar heating in the winter.

6. If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. Make sure that it is properly matched to the indoor unit.

7. If buying a new air conditioner, be sure that it is properly sized. Get assistance from an energy auditor or air conditioning contractor.

8. Buy a high-efficiency air conditioner: for room air conditioners, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating should be above 10; for central air conditioners, look for a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating above 12. (Units are now sold with SEER ratings of 13 or higher by law).

9. In hot, humid climates, make sure that the air conditioner you buy will adequately get rid of high humidity. Models with variable or multi-speed blowers are generally best. Try to keep moisture sources out of the house.

10. Try not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.

______________________________________________________________

To save even more money, find out how to get FREE cooling from your air conditioner here: http://advanceair.net/free-cooling/