Split Air Conditioners- The New Frontier

Central air conditioners are the standard solutions for cooling used in most American homes. Sometimes they seem like they are hurting more than helping, though. They use large amounts of electricity, deplete the ozone with their refrigerants and produce a bunch of noise with their condensers. What if there was another way?

Split air conditioners are the new way to cool your home without the gripes of a central air conditioner. They only produce 1/20th of the noise because of the improvements in fan blade shape and compressor technology. The new R410A refrigerant is free of chlorine (which eats away at the ozone layer). They also use way less energy at only 1,710 watts per hour of electricity to cool an average home.

A split air (or ductless) air conditioner have an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser. A small hole is drilled through the wall of the building it is cooling to connect the two components with a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and condensate drain. This closed loop between the evaporator and condenser/compressor circulates refrigerant. Heat is captured from the building being cooled and carried outside to a fan that blows it away.

One important factor to consider when purchasing a split air conditioner is the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher this ratio is, the better the system efficiency and the lower your electricity bills. The minimum SEER by law is ten, but it will be thirteen by next year. You should also look for units with a low decibel rating. The quieter units have a rating of 68 dB. A great feature is a diagnostics port that helps a technician quickly find problems electronically.

A two-stage compressor is also useful on a split air conditioner. This kind of compressor only uses full power when it's needed on the hottest days. The rest of the time the refrigerant isn't compressed and cooled as much. This means the air handler is on for a longer amount of time and it has enough to take the humidity out of the air.

The size of the condenser is also an important consideration. Picking the right size gives you the maximum comfort and minimum energy expense. Consider these things when picking the condenser size:

-Your home's layout

-The insulation levels

-Air leakage

-Sun exposure

-General climate

You may need to call on a professional to help you choose the correct unit. If the condenser is undersized, it will overwork and clog with frost. This means the system will shut down without having properly cooled your home. If the condenser is oversized, your home will be cooled down too quickly. This doesn't seem like much of a problem, but it will once you realize that the thermostat has shut down the air handler before it has had a chance to circulate and dehumidify the air completely, leaving your home cold and clammy.

Some last suggestions when choosing a split air conditioner are to make sure you are saving more than you are spending. Also, don't mix new and old components because if one breaks down you will be left without a solution for beating the heat.

6 Crucial Things to Know About Central and Portable Air Conditioners

Some people would be lost without air conditioning. They'd certainly be a lot hotter after a hard day's work without it. In order to make sure you always have air conditioning when you need it, you'll need to know these six crucial things about your air conditioning, whether it is central or portable.

1. Change the Filter

Filters are so important. They improve the efficiency when they are clean so you should be sure to install a new one or wash a reusable one every month during the cooling season. An important value to look for regarding filters is the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). This number will range from 1-12 and a higher number means better filtration is being provided. Higher numbers also mean that more energy is being used to pull the air through the filter so the energy cost may increase as well.

2. Use a Timer

The energy conscious consumer knows that there is no need to have air conditioning on at full blast when no one is home. A smart move is to install a programmable thermostat that allows you to set higher temperatures when you are gone and lower ones when you are at home. For portable air conditioners, a timer and adjustable thermostat might already be built in. Just set your ideal temperature and the amount of time you want your unit to operate and the comfort begins.

3. Keep Blinds/Shades Down During the Day

Direct sunlight is not your friend when you are trying to cool a room. In fact, direct sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by ten to twenty degrees. So, be sure to cover the windows with curtains or drapes. Exterior shading is also very effective such as trees and bushes from outside.

4. Run Your Air Conditioner And Ceiling Fan Together

Doing this creates more air movement which can result in a four degree drop in the overall temperature of the area you are trying to cool. Also, ceiling fans cost about as much to run as a standard light bulb so your energy bill won't go up.

5. Insulation is Key

Any air leaks in your home waste your money because you will have to shell out more money for cooling because cold air is escaping. Caulking and weather stripping is always a good idea. You should also ensure that your fireplace is closed and insulate your home if financially feasible. For portable air conditioners, it is important to make sure the window kit is set up correctly. No leaks means better cooling efficiency.

6. M for Maintenance

For central air conditioners, either the dealer who installed your unit, or someone you find yourself should be checking up on your unit yearly. This checkup should include cleaning and inspecting coils, cleaning or replacing filters, adjusting and replacing fan belts, lubricating motors and bearings, cleaning and checking blowers and fans, inspecting controls and safeties, checking refrigerant and pressures and verifying operating temps.

For portable air conditioners, maintenance can be summed up best in four easy parts.

-Venting: You must vented the condensed hot air out of the room via a venting kit.

-Draining: Portable air conditioners remove water from the air. Some of the water is used to cool the air conditioner which increases the cooling efficiency. The rest of the water has to be released from the machine somehow. Sometimes it is collected in a bucket that needs to be emptied. Sometimes the air conditioner has self-evaporating technology so that most of the water is released with the condensed hot air by the venting kit. You may still have to empty a small container with these units. Continuous draining is available on some machines and some have condensate pumps that deliver the water outside or ro a drain pump located indoors.

-Cleaning: Every few weeks or so, the exterior of your portable air conditioner should be cleaned. You can use a soft, damp cloth to clean it while the unit is turned off. Be sure not no use abrasive chemicals or detergents.

Storing: At the end of the cooling season, you may need to store your unit. This promotes the efficiency and prolongs the life of your portable air conditioner. Turn your unit off, unplug it and drain all of the water out. Then plug it back in and turn on the fan mode. Let it dry out for a few hours. Make sure the filter is clean, wrap up the cord and pack the unit in the original packaging if at all possible. Store in a dry location.

How to Buy a Room Air Conditioner

Room air conditioners put the cooling you need directly where you need it. They are a great solution for people who cannot install a central air conditioner in their building because it is not feasible or too expensive. The technology of room air conditioners has come a long way. They are up to thirty percent more energy efficient than they were just one short decade ago. They also have longer warranties so worrying about maintenance and repairs is a thing of the past.

It is a great idea to buy room air conditioners early. Buying them before summer starts certainly saves you money. Companies can get top dollar for these units in the summer, but during the off season they often have sales.

An important thing to consider when purchasing a room air conditioner is matching the unit to the room it is going to be cooling. If the cooler is too small, it won't cool the space. If it is too large, it will cool the space too quickly and the built-in thermostat will shut the unit down before the humidity in the room is lowered. This means the room will feel damp and clammy.

Room air conditioners are sized according to BTUs per hour, also known as the cooling capacity. This number can be found on the packaging of the unit or in literature about the product. BTUs of room air conditioners typically range from 5,000 to 25,000. To figure out which room air conditioner is right for them, most people compare the square footage of the room to BTU capacity. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), a Chicago based industry group has a more complex formula. It includes window area, sun exposure, insulation levels, how the room is used and other variables. For a more complete way to find the right amount of BTUs for you, their formula may be helpful.

Be sure to note that for 115V circuits typical of bedrooms and living rooms, you'll have to stay below 15,000 BTUs. Anything above that will require a 230V circuit. Also, if you are trying to cool an oddly shaped space with corners, it is better to have two smaller room air conditioners instead of one large one. Having two units will prevent cold spots in front of the air conditioner and warm spots around the corners. Mainly, you should try to keep cold air from pooling on the floor.

A very important consideration is Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This value is the cooling capacity divided by the electrical power required to run the unit. The higher this number is the better. The federal government requires manufacturers to list the energy rating on the unit. An EER of nine or ten is typical on an 115V room air conditioner. If a unit has an EER of ten it is considered extremely energy efficient. You will pay more up front for energy efficiency as well as for a high cooling capacity but you make up the increase in cost with the energy savings.

One last important consideration is the amount of control features. To fine tune the output of your room air conditioner for maximum comfort, look for units with multispeed fans and adjustable thermostats. If you are operating a room air conditioner in a bedroom, you can cool the space and then switch to a lower setting for quieter operation. Digital controls are even a higher step up, offering precise temperature control and sometimes even a timer for turning power on or off on a preset schedule. Also consider where the controls are located and whether it will be comfortable for you to reach them.

The Truth About Energy Auditors

With the addition of federal tax incentives, you may want to have a more energy efficient home. What should people who are suddenly propelled into "being green" do? Hire an Energy Auditor!

Hiring an energy auditor can save many resources. Also the government may give you a tax break on the purchase of:
-energy efficient windows
-a new boiler
-solar panels

Trying to update your home to be greener without consulting with an energy auditor is like investing in your company's 401K plan without researching it first. Don't make that mistake!

Some Reasons why Using an Energy Auditor is Beneficial:
1. Auditors are not expensive, only costing about three hundred dollars depending on the size of your home.
2. They zero in on the problem areas and offer solutions. For instance, you might be worried about the windows when the real problem is your vents or holes in the insulation.
3. Professional auditors use special equipment like infrared cameras, large fans and electronics to diagnose your areas of improvement accurately.
4. A detailed report will be given to you that outlines the problem areas in your home, solutions to the problems, and an estimate of the cost of the upgrades and what the return on your investment will be.

All you have to do is choose the right auditor and you can be on your way to a greener home in no time. But how do you choose the right one? You can get recommendations from friends and neighbors. You should also call your local utility company or the State Environment Protection Agency. These agencies can give you recommended contractor and also might even give you the names of contractors to avoid. You should also be aware that some auditors work for the companies that are selling the services and goods they are recommending to you. You should always ask auditors for references, the industry associations they belong to, and their training certificates. You should look at the required licenses and you it's always recommended to go on the state attorney general's website and the Better Business Bureau to look for clues about past problems.

Competent Auditors Will:
1. Do a Blower-Door Test- During this test, a huge fan is put inside of an exterior door. Super-sensitive measuring equipment is used to analyze the airflow and identify leaks.
2. Spot Cold Joints- They do this with an infrared camera. Cold joints are where air passes through insulation.
3. Test for Duct Leaks- This is done with a test similar to the blower-door test. Also determines air duct tightness.
4. Evaluate Energy Bills- A year's worth to be exact. They will give you easy lifestyle changes that will lower your costs.
5. Inspect Appliances- This includes air conditioners. They determine whether any of your appliances need to be replaced.

Audits typically save 12-20 percent in home heating and cooling costs. Remember, you can always improve the efficiency of your home; you just need to know where to look. That's where an Energy Auditor comes in!

Portable Cooling Guide: Top Five Portable Cooling Mistakes

The summer is turning out to be a hot one. People often turn to portable air conditioners and swamp coolers to help them cool their environments. These appliances are good solutions because they are compact and mobile. They are a great alternative to wall or window air conditioners because they do not have to be permanently installed. They also work great as supplemental cooling to central air conditioners.

If you choose the wrong air conditioner or swamp cooler you could end up melting in the heat anyway. To help you choose wisely, here are the top five mistakes consumers make when choosing a portable cooling unit:

1. Not Considering Environment

-Some people may think that portable air conditioners and swamp coolers are interchangeable. They are not. Although they both lower the temperature of the air, they use totally different cooling methods and are suited for different environments.
- Portable air conditioners extract hot air that must be vented. They function as dehumidifiers and are great for areas with moderate humidity levels.
-Swamp coolers blow water-cooled air throughout an area or room. They work best in dry climates like Southwestern states.

2. Miscalculating BTUs and Room Size

- Choosing the correct amount of BTUs is very important. BTUs describe the power and cooling capacity of a cooler.
-How many BTUs you need depends on the area being cooled. The greater the BTU value, the stronger the air conditioner. If there is a higher BTU value than the required room size, the unit will cycle off too quickly and will not properly remove humidity. If there is a lower BTU value than the required room size, the unit will not properly remove humidity.
-You should keep the dimensions of the room in mind and where it is going to be located. Sunny areas will need an additional 10 percent in BTUs. Shaded areas need 10 percent less BTUs. Kitchens need an additional 4,000 BTUs.

3. Energy Efficiency Ratio

-The EER measures how efficiently a cooling system operates when the temperature is at a certain level (usually 95 degree Fahrenheit).
-EER is the ratio of BTUs to the amount of power consumed in watts.
-People buy oversized units and ignore EERS which is a big mistake. Choosing a high EER can help you save a considerable amount of money on your electric bill.

4. Not Venting A Portable Air Conditioner

-Portable air conditioners need to be vented through a window, wall or drop ceiling.
-Venting is necessary to exhaust hot air from indoors to outdoors.
-Venting kits usually come with portable air conditioners. They are complete with a hose so that venting is simple and effective.

5. Insufficient Electrical Power

-You will need enough electrical power available to prevent breaking a fuse.
-You should pay attention to the type of plug an air conditioner or swamp cooler uses. It may also require a dedicated unit.
-Larger air conditioners and swamp coolers may require a 230/280 volt circuit which is not common in standard households. You may require assistance from an electrician.

For more tips on choosing portable cooling units click here!

NewAir AF-321 Swamp Cooler Product Review: Five Reasons to Purchase

1. Cost Effective: Swamp coolers in general are extremely cost effective. The estimated cost is 1/4 that of refrigerated air. The power consumption is limited to the fan and water pump as opposed to a compressor, pump and blower of an air conditioner. The NewAir AF-321 Swamp Cooler runs on only 85 watts of power. That is the same amount of power as a light bulb. It also does not use a water pump, but just a small motor to rotate the cooling pad. This means it uses less power than swamp coolers with water pumps and is quieter as well.

2. Cheap to Install: Swamp coolers only cost 1/8 to 1/2 the price it costs to install a traditional air conditioner. The NewAir AF-321 Swamp Cooler does not need to be installed at all. It is completely portable. It has large rolling casters so that it can be easily moved from room to room. To operate it, all you need to do is fill it with water and/or ice and turn it on. Opening windows while the unit is operating will also be beneficial.

3. Improve Air Quality: To work well, swamp coolers need adequate ventilation. This means that a constant and high volume of air will be going through the building, which greatly reduces the age of air. The NewAir AF-321 has a three speed fan and oscillating louvers so that the cool air is evenly distributed. It also has a built-in ionizer for particulates and a carbon filter that absorbs odors.

4. Acts Like a Humidifier: Swamp coolers cool your environment using the power of evaporation, so they add moisture to the air. This may make you feel more comfortable. It also keeps wood furniture and fabrics from warping and drying out. The NewAir AF-321 has specially designed cooling pads that retain more water than other units in its class. These pads also never have to be replaced. A thirteen liter tank means more cooling and humidifying between tank refills. You can also add ice, if you require enhanced cooling, to the four liter ice tank.

5. Versatility: Swamp coolers are able to be used in a lot of environments such as homes, offices, and industrial areas as long as the climate is dry. For a swamp cooler to really be effective the temperature should be hot and the air should be dry. If there is humidity in the air, the swamp cooler will just be adding more, which can make you uncomfortable and not cooler. The NewAir AF-321 cools spaces up to 200 square feet. It also has a modern design that will fit almost any decor. It is also incredibly easy to use because it has electronic controls and also includes a remote control.

The NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler: Product Review and Tips

Evaporative coolers or swamp coolers are a great way to keep cool and are less expensive than air conditioners.

A great swamp cooler is the NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler. It has a very powerful motor that runs on 200W of cooling power. The cooling pad has an improved design that is capable of retaining a greater amount of water. This means more cooling in a shorter amount of time.

The NewAir AF-350 has an extra large, 20 liter tank so that you will not have to fill it up as often as a swamp cooler with a smaller tank. It only weighs twenty two pounds so that you can easily maneuver it around your home. The rolling casters and a carrying handle also add an extra layer of maneuverability.

There are also electric controls and a remote control included with the NewAir AF-350. There are three selection speeds and a built-in ionizer for particulates. A carbon filter helps with any odors that might be permeating your home. There is also an optional TiO2 filter for even more filtration.

A timer and a power cord rewind are features that make the AF-350 even easier to use. You might need some tips to make sure you are using your swamp cooler to the best of its ability. Five ways to make the most of using your swamp cooler are:

1. Make sure that a window is open while the swamp cooler is in use. If you do not, the moisture in your home will build up and your swamp cooler will work less effectively. Swamp coolers use humidity to cool so if there is too much present in the air already, the temperature will not change.

2. Wait until it is 85 degrees or warmer to operate the swamp cooler if possible. These units operate better when it is warmer. The temperatures of the cooling pads, the water and the air need to be significantly different.

3. Maintain your unit. Makes sure everything is clean, especially your filter. When filter is clogged, impurities can get through and evaporation might slow or even stop. It is especially important to perform maintenance on your swamp cooler before a heat wave.

4. Search for a cooler that is energy efficient and uses a low amount of water.

5. Do not operate an air conditioner and a swamp cooler at the same time. If you need to use both use the swamp cooler first to cool the air down and add humidity. Then use the air conditioner to maintain the temperature.

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.

Whoosh: A Whole House Fan

Those lazy days of summer could become expensive if you resort to using central air to cool down your home. What if there was one fan that could cool your whole home down? Well, there is and it is called (not surprisingly) a whole house fan.
The benefits of using a household fan are:

-They lower your heating and cooling costs.

-They reduce indoor allergies.

-They freshen the atmosphere of your home.

-The second the fan is turned on, a breeze is created that instantly cools you down.

-Depending on the size of the motor, whole house fans can only cost pennies an hour to operate.

What a whole house fan does is draw the cool outdoor air inside through open windows and exhaust hot air through the attic to the outside. These fans do not work well if the outdoor temperature is much higher than the indoor temperature. When using whole house fans, you should only open windows in the room you’re in and set the fan on a lower setting. This will save you money.

Before you install a whole house fan you need to consider what size you will need. This is usually determined by the amount of square feet your home is. Only the very largest of homes will need more than one whole house fan. The next thing you need to do is figure out where to put the fan based on the size of it and how noisy it is. Keep in mind that fans with larger CFMs are usually larger and noisier.

It is very important to choose the best intake locations (windows and doors). All of your intake locations should have screens. The screens are basically acting as a filter for your home when you use a whole house fan. The screens should be cleaned regularly so that the intake location does not have any blockage. The fan should not be behind a door, but it could be in a common hallway.

Some tips when using household fans are:

-The dampers on any fireplaces in your home should be closed. If they are left open, the outside air will be drawn in along with any soot and odor that is lingering in your chimney.

-You should not run the fan when no one is home. It really is only beneficial to you if you are in your home while the fan is running.

-Windows should be opened on the shaded side of the house if possible. This will increase the cooling potential of the fan.

-You really should vent your attic space. This prevents any of the heat that is up there from coming into the living space. Under eave vents are the inexpensive way to go. This clears your attic of harmful moisture and heat buildup, which increases the lifespan of your roof.

-If you are doing the work yourself, have it permitted and inspected.

So, if you want an inexpensive alternative to central air conditioning, you can try a whole house fan. If you want information about a variety of fans, visit http://www.air-conditioner-home.com/fan/.

How You Discard Your Air Conditioner Affects the Environment

The ozone layer is our natural protection against the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. A hole in the ozone was discovered over Antarctica in 1985. The ozone over the North Pole was also discovered to be depleting. Refrigerators, window and car air conditioners, and dehumidifiers rely on refrigerants that contain ozone depleting CFCs and HCFCs, also known as Freon. Ozone depletion means more exposure to higher levels of ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, posing serious threats to human, animal and plant life.

Air conditioners are made with steel and plastic which are highly recyclable. In fact, 90% of all steel from appliances is recycled according to the Appliance Recycling Consortium. Before you try to recycle your air conditioner, you should take some steps to ensure that the coolants, which can cause ozone depletion, are not released into the air:

1. Contact the public works department in your town or county and ask about home appliance recycling or CFC/HFCF recovery programs. Refrigerant recovery machines draw the refrigerant from your appliance into a holding tank. Refrigerant is purified and sold for reuse and the appliance is recycled or discarded without harming the ozone layer.

2. Ask local home appliance retailers about their refrigerator and home appliance collection programs or about the availability of refrigerant-recovery programs.

3. Inform your local hauler or service person about the ozone problems and the law. As of July 1, 1992, refrigerants must be recovered from appliances before disposal. Per the Clean Air Act, the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere during service, maintenance, or disposal is prohibited. The EPA is authorized to assess fines of up to 25,000 per day per violation of the Act.
4. Avoid trying to recover the refrigerant yourself. Only qualified professionals with proper equipment should recover refrigerants (or any other pressurized gas).

5. Be prepared for a possible increase in appliance collection costs. You could consider the extra cost a contribution to protect the ozone layer.

Sometimes it is not quite necessary to discard your air conditioners. The National Association of Home Builders says that room air conditioners typically last about ten years on average. They are usually simple and cost effective to repair. Repairing units more than twenty years old, especially units manufactured before 1979 (when the first state efficiency standards went into effect) can cut your cooling bill in half.

For a central air conditioning system, if all of the other components are in good condition, a compressor change-out can give the system another 5-20 years of operational life. It also can increase the efficiency of the unit. Sometimes, though, it makes more sense to buy a new unit than repair a broken one. When it is time to replace the outdoor unit (condenser), the entire system should be replaced as a packaged with a new evaporator. This is even more critical with heat pumps and high efficiency equipment. If this is not done it could impact the reliability and performance.

Shining Star: Energy Star Air Conditioners

Energy efficiency is important to a lot of people not just because it is good for the environment but because it is good for their wallets. The program called Energy Star was introduced in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This program is a joint program of the US Department of Energy. It is meant to help you save money and protect environment through energy efficient products and practices. The Energy Star label is now on over 50 product categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and home electronics. The Energy Star label can also be applied to new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

There are benefits to buying products with the Energy Star label. For central air conditioners a few are:

-Central air conditioners with the energy star label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

-Energy Star air conditioners have a higher seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) than standard models and are about 14% more efficient.

-May cost more to purchase up front but cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.

To make sure you get the most out of your energy efficient central air conditioner, get somebody qualified to install it. Seal your home and make sure your ducts do not have leaks.

A few benefits of purchasing an Energy Star room air conditioner are:

-If every room air conditioner sold in the US was an Energy Star qualified room air conditioner, it would prevent 1.2 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (the equivalent emissions from 100,000 cars.

-10% less energy is used with an Energy Star room air conditioner.

-They often include timers for better temperature control allowing you to use the minimum amount of energy you need to cool your room.

-Make sure your unit is properly sized.

Even buying an energy efficient ceiling fan is beneficial to you. They are 50% more efficient than conventional units. They save you $10.00 per year on utility bills. They also have improved motors and blade designs.

To help you find qualifying Energy Star equipment the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) have developed an online database. Also, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America includes a special designation to identify contractors who sell and are knowledgeable about Energy Star qualified HVAC equipment.

By purchasing Energy Star products you will be helping prevent global warming and promoting cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.

10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Air Conditioner

As the weather starts warming up, air conditioners start being utilized more. That does not mean your wallet has to be stretched to its limit, though. If you do a few key things around your home, you will get more cool for your buck.

1. Add insulation to your home. It will save you money and keep your home cooler. For example, attics need R30 insulation at least to keep heat out in the summer and heat in during the winter.

2. Fix the windows in your home. Windows that have leaks or windows with single pane glass let cold air out and hot air in.

3. Close your window dressings like shades and drapes. Sunlight helps heat get into your home. You should block out the sun with light colored opaque drapes and shades.

4. Replace filters in central air conditioners and portable air conditioners as often as the manual suggests (usually every three months).

5. Don't block the source of the cool air with furniture or anything else. Make sure the space around the unit is clear. Keep the areas open to promote circulation.

6. Use floor or ceiling fans. Sometimes it is only a little warm and a ceiling or floor fan will suffice. If it is really warm you can use both together but put the air conditioner on a lower setting to keep costs low. Using the fans will help the sir circulate and also keeps cold air from settling near the floor.

7. Be sure to check and refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner. You may need to call in a professional to help to help you do this.

8. Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you are home. You should turn off your air conditioning when the outside temperature is less than the thermostat setting in the early mornings and late evenings.

9. The darker your home, the more heat it will absorb. Consider painting it a lighter color if at all possible.

10. Avoid generating heat because the heat you generate is the heat your air conditioner will have ti work harder to expel. Cook outside or use a microwave instead of oven. Turn off lights, computer and other appliances when they are not in use.

It's Easy Being Green With an Energy Star Rated Air Conditioner

Greenhouse gases are components of the atmosphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect. These gases come from natural sources and human activity. The greenhouse effect is the gradual heating of the atmosphere caused by air pollution which traps energy from the sun. All-inclusive causes of recent warming remain an active field of research but scientific consensus identifies elevated levels of greenhouse gases due to human activity as the main influence. The effects of global warming include rising sea levels, glacier retreat, arctic shrinkage, altered patterns of agriculture. Some secondary effects that have been predicted are extreme weather events, an expansion of tropical diseases, changes in timing of seasonal patterns in ecosystems, and drastic economic impact.

Ten ways you can reduce your contribution to greenhouse gases are:

1. Buy energy efficient appliances with "energy star" label like the WA-8291S Window A/C by Sunpentown.

2. Plant a tree. Trees store carbon dioxide that would otherwise be in the atmosphere. Trees also provide shade in the summer and if you plant a fruit or nut tree you'll eat locally and put more carbon in the soil.

3. When painting a house use latex rather than oil-based paint. Latex releases fewer harmful fumes while drying. It also smells better.

4. Save energy and money by making sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before turning them on.

5. Make sure your home is ready for the weather. Caulk and weather-strip doorways and windows. Add insulation (especially to your roof), change the windows for double glazing and add outside shades.

6. Move your thermostat two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer.

7. Unplug your cell phone charger, television and anything else that plugs in when it's not in use. Even when something is turned off it uses a small amount of electricity. You can make this task easier with the use of a surge protector with a switch.

8. Turn off the lights. This would be especially effective if schools participated. If ten thousand schools turned off their lights for one minute they would save more than $81,000. If they turned off their lights every time they went to recess, they would save more than $4.9 million.

9. Replace your incandescent light bulbs. Replacing one incandescent bulb with a fluorescent bulb will save 150lbs of carbon dioxide. They are also more efficient. More of a fluorescent bulb's consumed energy is converted to usable light and less to heat allowing them to run cooler. They last ten to twenty times as long as incandescent bulbs. You can also replace your bulbs with Ultra Compact LEDs. They use less energy and do not contain dangerous mercury like fluorescent bulbs.

10. Put your computer on stand-by. It will restart quickly and it takes less energy than shutting it down and then restarting it.

Window Fans: Blow Me Down!

Window fans are a cheaper and earth-friendlier alternative to air conditioning. You can use them to cool your home in the evening using the air from outside so that no air conditioning needs to be used during the day. Window fans also help to cut down on blackouts because you are using electricity at non-peak times.

Window fans are used to expel the warm air from an area or to draw cool air into an area. They usually come with a mounting kit and side panels to support the fan and prevent air from circulating around and back into the fan. If the air does circle back it could result in a performance loss of 8-10 percent. Smaller window fans may come with the panels attached and some window fans allow the window to be closed with the fan mounted in the window frame.

To cool a room with a window fan you should run the fan on intake with a second window open. The second window acts as a vent. If you are trying to cool more than one room you should run the fan on exhaust. The windows and connecting doors of the rooms being cooled should be open.

A couple of features worth looking into on window fans are a thermostat control and electric reversibility. A thermostat control is useful when there is a large difference between the day and night temperature in your environment. Electric reversibility means that the window fan is able to switch from intake to exhaust or vice versa without manually turning the fan around like the 9600 Air King 16" Window Fan.

When you are using a window fan, you should be aware that they don't allow you to control the indoor temperature as closely as an air conditioner. Also, window fans shouldn't be used if the air outside is uncomfortably hot, humid and/or polluted. You should not use window fans without window screens because insects and animals may enter your home (small insects such as gnats may enter your home even with the use of a screen). You may not want to use them in high crime or noisy areas as well.

To make sure you get the most out of using a window fan to cool your home, you should not leave the fan on all day. This shortens the fan's life, especially if it is left on during a rainstorm. You also should not operate a fan that isn't working correctly. If the blades aren't moving or if there is a burning smell, it could be a fire hazard. Another problem could be if the fan isn't lubricated enough. This causes the blades to rotate slowly, not at all and/or make a lot of noise. There could also be a potentially dangerous electrical fault, such as a wire being loose. You should make sure that all of the parts of your fans are in fine working order for your safety and comfort.