2012 Air Condition Appreciation Tips for Keeping Cool

We have had some hot days here in New England this summer, and I am sure we all have a renewed appreciation for our working Air Conditioning systems. This is why celebrating Air Condition Appreciation Days from July 3rd – August 15, 2012 seems like such a good idea. And as I sit here in my office researching good bits of Air Condition (A.C.) information to share with you, boy am I glad.

For most people in the United States A.C. seems like and absolutely essential utility, one that we cannot live without. 5% of electricity produced in the U.S. that is used to run air conditioners. This can be evidenced by the $11 Billion dollars a year we spend to run our A.C. units.[i] But just over 100 years ago long hot summer days and nights was the norm for everyone. Willis Haviland Carrier is attributed with creating the first successful Air Conditioner in 1902 for commercial applications. But it wasn’t until a 1906 patent application by Carrier that the term Air Conditioning was used by a textile engineer Stuart H. Cramer. Cramer used the phrase 'air conditioning' in a 1906 patent claim filed for a device that added water vapor to the air in textile plants - to condition the yarn.[ii]

Whether you have a window unit, mini-split wall unit, or a central air unit here is some ways you can stay cool, appreciate your air conditioner and give it a long shelf life:

·         Change the air filter every month. If you have central air.
·         Have it serviced every year. It will last longer and more efficiently.
       20%-50%- Percent of energy home owners could save by switching to high-efficiency air conditioners.[iii]
·         Turn your air conditioner down when you’ll be gone for a few hours.

·         When it’s time to replace or upgrade your unit purchase one with a temperature and timer control.

·         Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using. Lights generate heat and will cause your air conditioner to work harder

·         Keep your blinds or shades down so the sun doesn’t heat up your rooms

·         Do not use your clothes dryer at the same time as your air conditioner. The dryer will produce excess heat
·         Cooking in the oven and using air conditioning is counter-productive when it’s seriously hot outside.

·         Don’t block the air ducts or the path of the air (Keep curtains, shades, plants, animals, mini-blinds away from the front and sides.)

·          Keep your central outdoor system free from any obstructions

·         Close any gaps between your air conditioner and the window sills with weather stripping

If you need your A.C. unit service Almar Building and Remodeling, Hanover Ma has teamed up with another fabulous local company Davis Mechanical in Braintree, Ma. Like Almar, Eric Davis and his team understand that your home is your castle and when you are home you want to be comfortable. They have ensured the comfort of many businesses and residences in the Greater Boston and South Shore area. Your concerns regarding rising energy costs, indoor air quality, energy tax credits and investing in name brand innovative products are just what they are focused on to better serve you.[iv] Check out some special offers from Davis Mechanical.

 

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[i] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[ii] http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa081797.htm

[iii] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[iv] http://www.davismechanical.net/about-us.php