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