Portable Air Conditioners: Green Purchasing

The Federal Green Purchasing Program was set up by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive. It includes the acquisition of recycled content products, environmentally preferable products and service, biobased products, energy-and water-efficient products, alternate fuel vehicles, products using renewable energy and alternative to hazardous or toxic chemicals.

Federal agencies are assisted in promoting the acquisition of recycled content, environmentally preferable and biobased products, non-ozone depleting substances, and products containing alternatives to certain priority chemicals by the White House Task Force on Waste Prevention and Recycling, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Also, the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA help agencies implement the energy-related purchasing requirements, including the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuels. The key to making this program successful are the central sources of supply which are the General Services Administration and the Defense Logistics Agency.

Part of this program is also the purchase of energy efficient products. When you are purchasing a portable air conditioner you should try to choose one that is Energy Star qualified. Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products. Device that carry the Energy Star logo, like portable air conditioners, save 20-30 percent on average. Most appliances as well as heating and cooling systems have a yellow Energy Guide label showing the annual cost of operation in comparison to other models. These labels are created through the Department of Energy and often show if an appliance is Energy Star.

Cooling and heating bills can be significantly lowered with air sealing and dust sealing as well. Air sealing reduces the outdoor air that penetrates a building and duct sealing prevents attic or basement air from entering ducts which can lessen the heating/cooling system's efficiency. Keep in mind that energy star qualified portable air conditioners are at least 10 percent more energy efficient than the minimum U.S. federal government standards.