The Coolest Earth Day Ever: Take Care of Your Portable Air Conditioner!

Today is Earth Day!

Earth day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It is held during spring in the northern hemisphere and during autumn in the southern hemisphere. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day on the March equinox each year. This tradition was founded by John McConnell in 1969.

The April 22nd Earth Day was founded in the late sixties by Gaylord Nelson who was a United States senator and governor. He founded Earth Day as an environmental teach-in and it is celebrated in many countries.

The first International Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Twenty million Americans demonstrated for a healthy environment in the streets, in parks and in auditoriums. Environmental groups fighting for various causes realized that they shared common values. In 1990, Earth Day mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries and it was a huge boost to recycling efforts. It partly paved the way for the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro as well. In 2000, 5000 environmental groups reached out to hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries. Last year, one of the largest Earth Days to date was celebrated with an estimated billion people participating in activities.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 because it is the birth date of Eddie Albert. He was an actor that did early work with environmental causes and groups. Let's do him and millions (or is it billions) of earth lovers around the world a favor and do a little conservation checkup on our air conditioners.

Earth Day Air Conditioner Checkup List:

-Purchasing a high efficiency model can do a world of good not only for the Earth, but for your wallet.

-If shopping for a central air conditioner, get one with the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) possible. They cost a little more but the reduced energy costs will offset the expense.

-Schedule regular checkups. Your air conditioner will last longer and operate more efficiently which will save you money.

-Before you turn on a new air conditioner read the owner's manual and follow all of the instructions. Have it checked on the following spring.

-Keep the inside and outside of your unit clean. Regular maintenance of the filter is mandatory and clear any accumulated dirt and debris from outside the condenser unit annually.

-Make sure you install it in a shady place. Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight because it could use up to 5% more energy.

Just these few simple steps can start you on the journey to a better Earth. William S. Burroughs once said:

After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager."

Let's tidy up the place, shall we? It's supposed to be a classy establishment.