Investment propertyA Cool Deal: Buying Updated Air Conditioner Can Save Energy, Money
If your air conditioning unit is getting up there in age or you"ve noticed
unusual sounds or excess humidity, buying an updated model can save you
money, help cut down on air pollution - and, of course, keep you cool.
The Environmental Protection Agency devised the Energy Star label to rate
energy-efficiency in a number of household products, including air
conditioners. It says that if one household in 10 bought Energy Star cooling
equipment, some 17 billion pounds of air pollution would be avoided.
Jay Webb, a remodeling contractor in Sacramento, Calif., where the
temperature on summer days often soars above the 90-degree mark, says he
gets a lot of requests to update air-conditioning units, especially when the
temperature starts to climb.
"Often it"s the people in older homes who need a new air conditioner," Webb
said. "They either don"t have air conditioning at all, or their unit is
outdated."
Older units typically cool inefficiently and end up costing more than they
should, which translates into higher energy bills.
The EPA says that if your cooling system is more than 10 years old, it might
be time to upgrade to a unit that has earned the Energy Star label for high
efficiency.
According to the EPA, properly sized and installed Energy Star air
conditioner units that are supported by a properly sealed duct system save
up to 20 percent in annual energy costs, and use 25 to 40 percent less
energy than other new conventional systems.
Webb said that if you decide to buy a new unit before it gets too hot, you
might also enjoy special pre-summer offers. You"re also more likely to have
quicker access to a contractor, and there"s a better chance the equipment
you need will be readily available.
So how do you know if it"s time to replace your cooling equipment? The EPA
says it might be time if you:
Have an air conditioner that is more than 10 years old. Consider replacing
it with an Energy Start model. Just look for the label.
Frequently need repairs and your bills continue to rise. There"s a chance
your system is working inefficiently.
Notice that some of the rooms in your house are too hot or too cold. There
may be duct problems, inadequate insulation or other equipment might not be
functioning properly.
Have an empty house for most of the day and you don"t have a programmable
thermostat.
Have humidity problems. The culprit could be poor equipment operation,
inadequate equipment, or leaky ductwork.
Hear a lot of noise. You might have an undersized duct system or a problem
with the indoor coil of your cooling unit.
In addition, Webb suggests sealing the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and
floors to help increase your home"s energy efficiency. He says to add
insulation, especially to the attic, seal air leaks to stop drafts and get
full performance from your insulation.
The EPA also recommends the use of Energy Star windows and says that proper
sealing and insulation can save you up to 10 percent on your energy bills.
The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy also suggests
these tips:
Use whole-house fans to help cool your home by pulling cool air through
the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. They are effective when
operated at night and when the outside air is cooler than the inside.
Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The
less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your
overall cooling bill will be.
Don"t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on
your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result
in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air
conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home
without greatly increasing your power use.
Don"t place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The
thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air
conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the
airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less
electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
If you plan ahead and do your homework, by the time the dog days of summer
roll around, you and your family will be cool and comfortable 3/4 and saving
money on your energy bills.