What's ENERGY STAR for Room Air Conditioning?

Did You Know?

If every room air conditioner sold had earned the ENERGY STAR, it would prevent 900 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions from 80,000 cars.

Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners:

* use about 10% less energy than conventional models, which could mean a savings of more than $60 over the lifetime of the unit.
* often include timers for better temperature control, allowing you to use the minimum amount of energy you need to cool your room.

What's ENERGY STAR for Central Air Conditioning?

Did You Know?

Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year - nearly half the home's total energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model could cut your cooling costs by 30%.

Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners:

* have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, making them about 14% more efficient than standard models.

The central air conditioner also needs a blower motor – which is usually part of the furnace – to blow the cool air through the duct system. The only way to ensure that your new air conditioner performs at its rated efficiency is to replace your heating system at the same time. It’s especially recommended if your furnace is over 15 years old. If you purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an older furnace and blower motor, your system will not perform to its rated efficiency.

Five Best Ceiling Fans (2)

Monte Carlo 5DI52BSD-L Discus 52-Inch Contemporary Ceiling Fan with Light Kit and Five Silver Blades, Brushed Steel

I’m mostly utilised to $250+ ceiling fan/light units, but I just put in this fan within our master bed room and am actually pleased together with the quality. For a $120+ fan it has virtually everything that a $200+ fan has as far as the look and quality of construction. The only minor issues that it lacks is the fact that out of the box the fan wobbled sightly around the higher velocity setting (it arrives with a balancing kit which I employed to resolve this difficulty). Also, the motor just isn’t perfectly silent, although it can be pretty peaceful – certainly quieter compared to sound of the wind the fan produces. Apart from those two minor things, all is well and also the price is undoubtedly reduced for what you get.
The 1 factor that you simply do not see within the photos would be the two pull-chains that dangle from opposite sides of the unit, just beneath the fan. The fan includes a 75 watt halogen light within the frosted-glass fixture. This puts out a reasonable amount of light, although it will not light up a room like a 3-bulb fixture that you see around the cheaper fan-light combos.
The fan arrived very quick, and with the free of charge shipping alternative. It seems excellent in my space and completes the remake with the space. I bought a fantastic sofa which was red vinyl with chrome arms and feet, the fan completes the space. The high quality is just as described. The air movement is far better than anticipated. Should you listen to any noise whenever you set up the fan, just verify to determine in case the wires are not sticking up and hitting the blades. It really is very quiet and cooling!! Would acquire again :)
I totally really like this fan – we place it up in our freshly redone kitchen. It is nice and tranquil as well as looks remarkable with all of our stainless steel appliances. You cannot beat the price – all in all, I’d undoubtedly suggest this fan to others.

Five Best Ceiling Fans (1)

Westinghouse 7861500 Contempra Trio Three-Light 42-Inch Five-Blade Ceiling Fan, Brushed Nickel with Frosted Glass Shades



This ceiling fan is surely an superb buy for that funds. I was pleasantly suprised at the way it looked following I set up it in my Residing Space. I’ve study another evaluations regarding the fan making noise, so I was a little skeptical about buying it, but I bought it anyways. Boy I’m glad I did! This is actually a genuinely good looking ceiling fan. Offers the space a classy, but not as well flashy appear. Each person who has arrive to the house right after I put in this has complimented on it. As far as noise, I experienced none. Just be sure when you place the blades with each other together with the arms, make particular the screws are excellent and tight. I utilised a cordless DeWalt drill with the torque setting set reduced to #12 to assure an excellent tight match. I actually was so impressed together with the looks and operation of this fan that I immeadiately went back to amazon.com and purchased an additional fan specifically such as this one, for my kitchen area.
I’ve put in several ceiling followers inside the previous, but the people at Westinghouse actually produced the set up easy with their fan. In contrast to most followers which need you to maintain the fan motor up although wiring it in, Westinghouse place a separate plug on their motor. You wire up the plug to the residence outlet, then lift the motor up. Couldn’t be less complicated. It took thirty minutes complete to install.
Like I described just before I purchased 3 of these enthusiasts and none of them is making any noise or have any vibration. Appropriate installation will be the important to item enjoyment. These enthusiasts search and function like fancier fans. In addition to, in relation to electrical items you must constantly employ someone with expertise or else you may wind up with a noisy unit due to inproper installation even if you believe you have follow directions towards the letter. Besides, these items are installed within the ceiling and if they’re producing any noise, which they’re not suppose to, it could be a hazard for you and your loved ones.
This fan is the entire enchilada. Quite effortless to put in and extremely quiet also. A faint hum as with any fan but no rattles or clicking noises. For modest to medium dimensions rooms, you will not uncover a far better fan. Candleabra bulbs aren’t an issue nor is the airflow. Why on earth you would pay more for any fan is over and above me, as this 1 completely matches the bill. Significantly.

Hot-weather exercise: How to keep cool

Outdoor exercise can be challenging when the temperature soars. Stay safe during hot-weather exercise by drinking enough fluids, wearing proper clothing and timing your workout to avoid extreme heat.

In the excitement of a pickup basketball game or the relaxation of a friendly round of golf, you might not notice the temperature rising — but your body will. If you exercise outdoors in the heat, use caution and common sense to prevent heat-related illnesses.

How hot weather affects your body

Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Both the exercise itself and the air temperature increase your body temperature. To dissipate heat, more blood circulates through your skin. This leaves less blood for your muscles, which increases your heart rate. If the humidity is high, your body faces added stress because sweat doesn't readily evaporate from your skin — which only pushes your body temperature higher.

Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may fail if you're exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long. The result may be a heat-related illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

How to avoid heat-related illnesses

To keep it cool during hot-weather exercise, keep these basic precautions in mind:

• Take it slow. If you're used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor if you need to take additional precautions.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Your body's ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while you're working out — even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're planning to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider sports drinks instead. These drinks can replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
• Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loosefitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat can limit your exposure to the sun.
• Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening — when it's likely to be cooler outdoors — rather than the middle of the day. If possible, exercise in the shade or in a pool.
• Wear sunscreen. A sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.
• Have a backup plan. If you're concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside the mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.

Know when to call it quits

During hot-weather exercise, be on the lookout for heat-related illness. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

If you suspect a heat-related illness, stop exercising and get out of the heat. Drink water, and wet and fan your skin. If you don't feel better within 60 minutes, contact your doctor. If you develop a fever higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or become faint or confused, seek immediate medical help.

Regular physical activity is important — but don't let hot-weather workouts put your health at risk.

Expert's Review of 5000 BTU Air Conditioner

If you need to cool down space from 100 to 150 square feet during summer heats, then 5000 BTU air conditioner will do the job. My recommendation is to choose between portable and window air conditioner, my personal decision would be to go for window air conditioning unit because of many reasons. First, they are cheaper then portable units and you will not have to empty its bucket all the time. Just turn it on and chill out.

In addition to 5000 BTU air conditioner energy efficiency ratio we may say that you should spend few more bucks to buy unit with higher EER because it will cost you less to maintain it on longer usage period. Also, higher EER units use less electrical energy so in this way they will pay back those few more bucks. When buying for new unit also pay attention on Energy Star feature as Energy Star air conditioners have high efficiency compressors and use at least 15% less energy then classic models.

Frigidaire FRA106BU1 10,000 BTU Compact Window Air Conditioner

The Frigidaire FRA106BU1 (Click here to buy this product from Amazon) will cool a fairly large room of about 450 square feet, and nearly every review for this AC unit indicates that it does this well. Most owners give this AC unit high praise for excellent cooling and easy installation. Many find the temperature sensor in the remote control to be an extremely useful feature, and the sleep timer (which allows the unit to work more quietly with less energy) is also reported to work well.

There are a number of comments about how quietly the Frigidaire FRA106BU1 functions, though a few owners disagree. Professional tests find it to blow better straight ahead and to the left than to the right, and one owner notes this as well. The same tests show excellent cooling efficiency and ease of use, with which the majority of owners agree.

Pro

• Sleep mode
• Clean filter alert
• Air ionizer
• Quiet
• Remote control

Con

• Reports of shipping damage

Amazon Review:

"I am blown away with this product. ... installion was a breeze. ..." by Brian from NY

"The unit has a built in Clean Air Ionizer. For people with allergy's this is a plus." by Mark from PA

Will an air conditioner with higher BTU cool my room faster?

BTUs determine how much cold air comes out of the unit, but problems can occur if the air conditioner is oversized for the space. The more cold air that comes out – the more area it needs to circulate to avoid giving the thermostat a false reading. If the unit is oversized, the cold air bounces off the wall back onto itself giving the thermostat a false reading – causing the compressor to shut off because the thermostat reads that the set temperature has been achieved. While the unit is off – the thermostat is able to read the room’s actual temperature, which kicks the compressor back on. This process will continue, causing the compressor to cycle off and on every two to three minutes, but never staying on long enough to effectively cool the room or remove uncomfortable humidity. Use the BTU calculator to find the correct amount of BTUs for the area you would like to cool. This chart can also be used as a general guide. When cooling rooms with poor insulation, great rooms, or southern or western sun exposures, step up to the next BTU size.

Room Size		BTU
Sq. Ft.	Sq. m
150	14	up to 5,000
165	15	5,200
216	20	6,000
350	33	8,000
425	39	9,000
500	46	10,000
640	60	14,000
900	84	15,100
1,110	103	18,000
1,170	109	18,500
1,435	133	22,000
1,672	154	25,000
1,960	182	28,500

Window-Mounted Mini Room Air Conditioner For Small Apartment

Lately, people become more careful when it comes to money, and energy consumption. With rising costs it is logical that all look to find alternatives so as not to create compromise when it comes to comfort and satisfaction. Mini Window Air Conditioner units are ideal in case you do not want to spend a lot of money, but then again you can enjoy the pleasant cold during hot days.

Frigidaire's FRA052XT7 5,000 BTU Mini Window Air Conditioner is perfect for small size rooms up to 150 square feet. This unit features rotary controls and top full-width air discharge. The antimicrobial filter reduces bacteria, room odors, and other airborne particles for a comfortable environment. And the included pleated quick mount window mounting kit makes this air conditioner easy to install.

Save Energy with Westinghouse Ceiling Fans

Get substantial energy-saving benefits—and a cooler home—with efficient, stylish Westinghouse ceiling fans. You can add comfort and lighting to any space, indoor or outdoor, keeping things cool for summer entertaining while saving both floor space and energy costs.

Ceiling fans can be an energy-saving, "green" addition to any home, adding more value than many homeowners realize.

Did You Know?

• Most ceiling fans use only about as much power as a 100 watt light bulb
• Energy Star® ceiling fans (available from Westinghouse) circulate an average of 15% more air than other ceiling fans, and use 60% less energy than a 150 watt incandescent bulb
• Used properly, ceiling fans can save you money in winter as well as summer: up to 10% in heating costs and up to 40% in air conditioning costs
• Turning off the air conditioning, opening a few windows and turning on an efficient ceiling fan can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler (and save up to 40% in air conditioning costs!)
• Peak energy savings are realized by placing ceiling fan blades 10-12 inches below the ceiling and 7 to 9 feet above the floor
• Ceiling fan airflow can be an effective deterrent to flying insects

The Westinghouse 42-inch Contempra Trio Ceiling Fan features five reversible wooden blades and a light kit with three frosted glass shades.

Designed for Low Ceilings
The Westinghouse Contempra Trio fan is one of Westinghouse's Hugger series of fans, which are specially designed for rooms with low ceilings. This 42-inch ceiling fan is best suited for medium-sized rooms, such as recreation rooms, living rooms, or children's bedrooms.

Reversible Blades and Reversible Switch
The Contempra Trio's five blades are reversible, so you can choose the finish that best suits your room's decor. The attractive wooden blades operate smoothly and efficiently.

For year-round comfort and maximum energy savings, Westinghouse ceiling fans include a three-speed, reversible switch that allows the ceiling fans to be used during cool or warm weather. In the summer, keep your home cool by running your ceiling fan counterclockwise. In the winter, run your ceiling fan clockwise to circulate warm air from the ceiling, eliminating cold spots and drafts.

Light Kit with a Trio of Frosted Glass Shades
Equipped with a light kit, the Contempra Trio fan features three lights that hang beneath the center of the fan. The lighting fixture's frosted glass shades provide a soft hue of light. If you choose, use compact fluorescent bulbs to increase efficiency and reduce your energy costs.

There are five different styles:

Honeywell True HEPA Air Purifier Sweepstakes at ELLE DECOR

Ideal for a medium-sized room, the Honeywell HPA-150 True HEPA Tower Air Purifier captures up to 99.97 percent of harmful allergens including dust, pollen, smoke, mold spores, and pet dander. The product circulates and filters air up to five times an hour, features three cleaning levels, and has a carbon pre-filter that helps reduce common household odors. The machine does not emit ozone through the filtration process. Total value: $190;

10 winners

No purchase necessary.

Entry period May 12, 2011 Noon ET to July 11, 2011 Noon ET.

Enter Sweepstakes

Ceiling Fans Vs. Air Conditioning: Which is a Cheaper Way to Cool Your Home?

To the budget conscious people, an air conditioner is not a wise alternative in a room especially during the summer. There is always the standard stand or desk fan or using fan or just plain opening the window.

A wise addition to a room, which is both, cost efficient and stylish is a ceiling fan. This is preferred especially when your aim is keep one room cool. The ceiling fan functions by moving the both cool and warm air around the room, which would really aid in making the room comfortable.

Ceiling fans has gained popularity as a fan of choice in homes. They are popular because they can be both stylish and very useful. Also, most ceiling fans are within the budget.

In shopping for your new ceiling fan it is important that you look at various brands. Check essential features such as the pitch of the blade, the size of the motor and the finishes on the surfaces of the ceiling fan.

Note: don’t hesitate to ask for help from the salesperson to help you with selecting the ceiling fan that suits you needs.

Ceiling Fans Saves Money

Many people save a lot of money because of using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners. However, this will depend in a lot of different factors. An important factor is the type of blade used. The material and weight of the blade would be determine if the ceiling fan’s lifetime. High-end ceiling fans are usually made of plywood and weighed accordingly to prevent wobbling. Low-end ceiling fans are usually made of cardboard and can be observed to have slight wobbling.

Ceiling Fans Saves Energy

In addition to the practicality of using ceiling fans, it is also very productive in cooling. The fan pushes the warm air that has risen back into the room. In turn, the thermostat will not turn on the heating system.

Essentials

Remember that the greater the pitch and the more revolutions per minute, the more efficient the fan is in cooling and heating. The smaller motors may seem fine at first but could possibly produce annoying sounds when she’s done.

Fan size depends on the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. Usually specifications come with the purchase of the fan. A fan dealer can help you select fans for your room. For high ceilings sometimes a downrod is needed. For sloped ceilings, flush mounts and angled mounts are available. Some ceilings must even be braced to support the additional weight of the ceiling fan.

Whatever the theme of your house or room may be there will be fan for you. Ceiling fan have been available since the late 1800’s. Today ceiling fans are specifically made for hallways, patios or even children’s bedroom.

The fan is usually hung in the middle of the room. This gives the best air circulation compared to any corner of the room.

Putting lights are optional. Some people attach glass globes or bulbs that will provide the needed illumination in the room. If the ceiling is low, lights cannot be added.

The real deal

The selection of ceiling fan is not just picking another appliance for your room. Remember that this item will add to whole environment of your room. You must take the selection of the ceiling fan for granted.

Ceiling fans can be bought in various stores such as hardware stores, home improvement centers, discount stores or at Amazon.

在美国买电风扇

近几年由于地球暖化益发严重，连美国东北这块新英格兰地区，原本舒适凉爽的夏天也逐渐变得难以忍受。

最近康州这里也愈来愈热，前一阵子还有热浪来袭，每户人家的冷气、电风扇早早就粉末登场。

只是美国的电风扇，真是叫人傻眼。因为.....吹起来一点儿都不冷！

用过比较好的值得推荐的有Lasko 3520 20-Inch Cyclone Pivot Fan和Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan with Remote Control。前者风力大价格便宜但有些吵，后者省地风大也安静。

在美国买空调

窗式空调把室内外机合为一体，适用于小面积的房间，安装方便且价格便宜。

纽约的夏天还是非常炎热的，虽然现在的天气估计让你很难想象再过两个月的酷热！现在未雨绸缪会省掉不少银子。

我推荐Frigidaire FRA052XT7 5,000 BTU Mini Window Air Conditioner,在亚马逊到货很快。

好:
1.适合较小的房间，制冷效果还不错
2. 这是我能找到的最便宜的空调了并且这个牌子的空调口碑还算可以
3.安装比较方便
4.当然就是省电啦，功率小嘛

坏:
1.没有remote controller，操作全靠手（没办法，便宜嘛）
2.噪音稍大(不过不至于影响睡眠)

25条通往凉爽居室的省钱途径

比如把灯与自动调温装置的距离拉大,如此简单的改变就可以省下几百美元, 即省钱又节省能源.

当然,把自动调温装置调至80. 你还是会流汗,依然要支付一大笔钱;除非你采用其他步骤来使夏日的炙热变得柔和,从而减轻空调的负担.

这里提出的许多方法几乎不用花费你一分一厘. 感谢能源部门的节约能源项目,在它的网站上公布这些生活小贴士.

大大利用你的空气调节装置

• 打开窗户,使用便携式或者悬挂于天花板的风扇替代空调.持续,适度的风速,每小时风速1米,可让你感觉到降低3或四度后的凉爽.确定悬挂于天花板的风扇是开夏天档的-你可以感到风是往下吹的.如果你的居住环境相对干燥,那么可以在风扇箱前放一碗或一盘冰块,因为冰块再蒸发的同时也可以制冷.
• 在使用窗式空调的同时,打开电扇,从而可以散播冷空气.
• 为了保证空气流通,建议把外设的压缩机装在一个隐蔽的位置.夏天期间,每个月更换一次空气过滤器.
• 使用空调上的可编程调温装置可以再夜间或家里无人的情况下,调节设置.
• 不要把灯或电视机安置再空调调温装置附近. 因为这些器械会使空调运行的时间增长.
• 如果气候适宜,也可以考虑安装一部可以作用于整间屋子的电扇或是蒸汽式冷却装置(一种煤层聚水的冷却器). 由于顶楼聚集了大量的热量,一台可以作用整间屋子的电扇需要有相应的尺寸,并且放置在合适的位置,以此通过底楼的窗户吹动空气,然后再从屋顶排放.这样不仅可以降温,而且其降低的耗能相当于三台空调.如果自己安装这样一台电扇要花200-400美元.一台蒸汽式冷却装置的基本原理是在冰水浸泡过的垫子上推动空气,使用的能源是冷却空气能源的四分之一.花费仅在200-600美元之间.(参见”没有空调也可以制冷”)
• 安装白色遮光帘,窗帘或百叶窗来反射屋子里的热量. 白天的时候,拉上南面和西面的窗帘在南面的窗户上可以安装遮阳篷.因为太阳,树木,格架或者栅栏的一角会在南面窗上留下阴影.在南面窗户上装控制阳光的薄膜或其他可反射阳光的薄膜
  

美化冷却屋内景观

• 种植树木或灌木来遮蔽空气调节装置,但不要阻碍空气流动.在阴凉处操作该设备可以省电.
• 生长在格架上的攀缘植物,比如常春藤或葡萄藤可以遮蔽窗户或房子的整面.
• 尽量避免再南面和西面布置大量不遮光线的岩石,水泥或者沥青.因为他们会增加房屋周围的温度,并且在太阳落下后把热量转移到屋内.
• 在西面,南面种植落叶树可以使你的房屋整个夏天都保持凉爽.仅仅三棵树,只要适当种植在房屋周围,就可以每年省几百美金的空调费. 在夏天,有树荫庇护的房屋,白天可以降温3-6度.

不要忽略细节

• 用白炽灯泡替代紧密的荧光灯.因为白炽灯仅损耗荧光灯五分之一的能量和热量.
• 自然风干碗,拒绝使用洗碗机来干燥碗
• 使用微波炉替代传统的电器或烤箱
• 不使用电脑和监视器的时候就关闭它们的电源
• 把类似电视和录像机的家电的电源插在电源板上,不用的时候就把插头拔下.
• 调低热水器上的自动调温器,一般115度的温度就让人很舒服了
• 经常使用淋浴方式来洗澡,尽量少泡浴缸,这样可以减少用水量.
• 当碗和衣服都堆满的时候再清洁.

不要盲目地制冷房屋的各个角落

• 夏天的时候,封住窗或门的挡风雨条可以保持室内凉爽的温度.
• 如果你发现管道上出现洞或有裂缝,赶快请专业人员来修理.
• 当空气调节装置被安装在条件恶劣的空间的时候,再其管道上绑上绝缘材料,比如安装在屋顶,槽隙或者车库,当然当电扇被安装在室外或屋顶时候也该采取这样的措施.
• 检查你的壁炉节气闸是否关紧.

提前规划

在你的房屋的制冷设施运行正常的时候就开始升级以及维修,这样既省钱又有效.

• 例如,一台使用了10年的空调的效率是一台新机的一半.提前检查你的空调的效率可以辅助你决定是否有必要找专业服务人来来维修.使用家用温度计来测量出风口和进风口的温度.(把温度计放置5分钟,从而得到一个稳定的温度值).专家说两者间的温差为14至20度.如果空调的制冷度达不到这些水平,则可能是制冷剂过少或者有空调有漏出物.如果制冷设备的温度超过20度那么问题很严重
• 在一个新的屋顶放置亮鹅卵石可以降低房屋所吸收的热量.再涂一层亮色的油漆,尤其是油漆在面向南面以及西面的外部,效果很显著.
• 升级顶楼和周围的双层玻璃窗,在图上一层油漆来反射阳光,同样也是很好的方法.

Sweepstakes: Win a Honeywell HEPAClean Germ Fighting Air Purifier!

Prize Description:
The UV HEPAClean Tower Air Purifier features an advanced air cleaning system that combines 3 powerful air cleaning technologies into one delivering cleaner, fresher air to your home. Germ Fighting Ultraviolet Technology helps reduce certain viruses, bacteria, fungi and mold spores while the HEPAClean filters capture up to 99% of airborne particles such as dust, pet dander, smoke and pollen*. In addition, the enhanced odor control carbon zeolite pre-filter helps reduce common household odors such as pet, cooking, nursery and smoke odors. The long-life HEPAClean filters can be vacuumed or replaced when the Filter Check Light indicates the filter is dirty. The easy-to-use LCD controls give you up to 12 different cleaning power levels. It also features a 1-18 hour auto shut-off timer, an optional ionizer for extra cleaning power and optional oscillation to enhance air circulation. The sleek tower design saves space and will look great in any room in your home. Most effective for medium to large size rooms.

Honeywell HHT-145 HEPAClean Germ Fighting Air Purifier with Odor Reduction
A $299.99 Value! (Buy One HERE)
Drawing Date 7-15-11, Enter up to Once a Day
Enter Sweepstakes

Plan ahead

More costly but effective cooling measures are available as your home undergoes normal upgrades and repairs.

• A 10-year-old air conditioner, for example, is only half as efficient as a new one. A quick check of your air conditioner's efficiency can help you decide whether to call in a service professional. Use a household thermometer to measure the temperature of the discharge air from the register and the temperature of the return air at the return-air grill. (Keep the thermometer in place for five minutes to get a steady temperature.) The difference should be from 14 to 20 degrees, experts say. An air conditioner that's not cooling to those levels could be low on refrigerant or have leaks. A unit cooling more than 20 degrees could have a severe blockage.
• Using light shingles on a new roof can cut the amount of heat the house absorbs. Repainting in a light color, especially south- and west-facing exterior areas, helps as well.
• Upgraded insulation in the attic and double-paned windows all around, complete with tinting to reflect sunlight, are good ideas, too.

Don't air-condition the whole neighborhood

• Caulking and weatherstripping will keep cool air in during the summer.
• If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to repair them.
• Add insulation around air conditioning ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages; do the same for whole-house fans where they open to the exterior or to the attic.
• Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed.

Little things mean a lot

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they produce the same light but use a fifth the energy and heat
• Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips, and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater; 115° is comfortable for most uses.
• Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

Get the most from your air conditioning

• Open windows and use portable or ceiling fans instead of operating your air conditioner. Even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer -- you should feel the air blown downward. If you live in a relatively dry climate, a bowl or tray of ice in front of a box fan can cool you as it evaporates.

• Use a fan with your window air conditioner to spread the cool air through your home.

• Without blocking air flow, shade your outside compressor. Change air filters monthly during the summer.

• Use a programmable thermostat with your air conditioner to adjust the setting at night or when no one is home.

• Don't place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.

• Consider installing a whole house fan or evaporative cooler (a "swamp cooler") if appropriate for your climate. Attics trap fierce amounts of heat; a well-placed and -sized whole-house fan pulls air through open windows on the bottom floors and exhausts it through the roof, lowering the inside temperature and reducing energy use by as much as third compared with an air conditioner. Cost is between $200 and $400 if you install it yourself. An evaporative cooler pulls air over pads soaked in cold water and uses a quarter the energy of refrigerated air, but they're useful only in low-humidity areas. Cost is $200 to $600.

• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.

• Install awnings on south-facing windows. Because of the angle of the sun, trees, a trellis, or a fence will best shade west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows.
• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity.

• Grown on trellises, vines such as ivy or grapevines can shade windows or the whole side of a house.

• Avoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides. It increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.

• Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer. Just three trees, properly placed around a house, can save a few hundred dollars in annual cooling and heating costs. In summer, daytime air temperatures can be 3 degrees to 6 degrees cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods.

Saca partido del sistema de aire acondicionado

En Frionuevo S.L. le ofrecemos una serie de consejos para que pueda sacar el máximo provecho a su equipo de aire acondicionado.

1. Conecta el aire acondicionado a una temperatura de 25ºC, aproximadamente. Cada grado que disminuya la temperatura, estará consumiendo un 8% más de energía. En invierno, la temperatura recomendable es de 21ºC.
2. Desconecte el aire acondicionado cuando no haya nadie en casa o en la habitación que esté climatizando.
3. Instale toldo y persianas en las ventanas, ya que impiden las radiaciones directas del sol y disminuyen las necesidades de climatización.
4. Verifique el sistema para cerciorarse de que está limpio y de que sus alrededores están libres de suciedad. Repita la operación todos los meses y cambie el filtro cuando sea necesario.
5. Llame a un profesional para que inspeccione el sistema y verifique el nivel de refrigerante.
6. Retire todos los muebles de las proximidades de las rejillas y conductos del sistema.
7. Cierre puertas y ventanas y verifique su aislamiento.
8. Reduzca la velocidad del ventilador cuando el tiempo sea húmedo para eliminar la humedad del aire, lo que aumentará la sensación de frescor.
9. Lave la ropa o los platos, báñese o friegue los suelos al final del día o a primera hora de la mañana, ya que estas actividades producen humedad y aumentan la existente en el hogar, lo que obliga al sistema a funcionar a más potencia.
10. Lave la ropa con agua fría, cocine con el fuego más bajo posible y no abra el horno cuando tenga algo en él.
11. Baje las persianas y cierre las cortinas para evitar que la casa se caldee por la acción directa del sol.
12. Apague las luces cuando no sean necesarias: Tres cuartas partes de la electricidad que emplea una bombilla desprenden calor, no luz.
13. Mantenga todos los aparatos que producen calor lejos de los termostatos para que no los "engañen" y los obliguen a funcionar más tiempo del necesario.
14. Haga uso de un termostato programable, para controlar el funcionamiento del sistema.

Aires acondicionados

Podría sorprenderle saber que comprar la unidad más grande de aire acondicionado para su cuarto no lo hará sentir necesariamente más cómodo durante los meses calientes del verano. De hecho, una unidad de aire acondicionado que sea muy grande para el lugar que supuestamente debe enfriar, será menos efectiva y funcionará con menor eficiencia que una unidad que sea más adecuada para su espacio. Esto se debe a que las unidades en los cuartos funcionan mejor si están encendidas durante períodos relativamente más largos de tiempo que si se prenden y apagan en forma continúa. El funcionamiento por períodos más largos de tiempo permite que los equipos de aire acondicionado mantengan una temperatura de ambiente más constante y remuevan el exceso de humedad.

El tamaño también tiene igual importancia en los sistemas de aire acondicionado central, y debe ser determinado por los profesionales del ramo. Si usted tiene un sistema de aire acondicionado central en su casa, ajuste los controles para que el ventilador se apague al mismo tiempo que la unidad de enfriamiento (compresor). En otras palabras, no utilice el ventilador del sistema central para la circulación, sino que use para esto los ventiladores individuales de los cuartos.

Consejos sobre el aire acondicionado

• Los ventiladores que funcionan en toda la casa ayudan a enfriar su hogar porque toman el aire frío circulante y expulsan el aire caliente a través del ático. Estos sistemas son efectivos cuando se hacen funcionar de noche y cuando el aire exterior es más frío que el aire interior.
  
  
• Ajuste el termostato a una temperatura alta, pero lo más cómoda posible, durante el verano. Entre menor diferencia haya entre la temperatura en el termostato y la temperatura fuera de la casa, menor será su cuenta total por aire acondicionado.
  
  
• No ajuste su termostato a una temperatura más fría de lo normal cuando encienda el aire acondicionado. Esto no hará que su casa se enfríe más rápido y podría causar un enfriamiento excesivo y, por lo tanto, un gasto innecesario.
  
  
• Considere utilizar un ventilador interior en combinación con su aire acondicionado de ventana para hacer circular el aire frío de una forma más eficiente por toda la casa, sin que aumente en gran medida la energía que utiliza.
  
  
• No coloque lámparas o televisores cerca del termostato del aire acondicionado. El termostato detecta el calor de estos aparatos, lo cual puede hacer que el aire acondicionado funcione más del tiempo necesario.
  
  
• Plante árboles o arbustos para darle sombra a las unidades de aire acondicionado, pero no bloquee el flujo de aire. Coloque el aire acondicionado de su cuarto en el lado norte de la casa. Una unidad que opera a la sombra utiliza casi 10% menos de electricidad que una unidad similar que funciona en el sol. Tenga en mente que aislar y sellar las fugas de aire ayudará a utilizar mejor la energía en la época de verano porque mantiene el aire frío en el interior de la casa.
  
  
• $ Consejos para ahorrar dinero a largo plazo: Si tiene un aire acondicionado viejo, considere comprar un modelo nuevo y con más eficiencia energética. Si hace esto, podría ahorrar hasta el 50% de lo que paga en cuentas de aire acondicionado. Vea que los sistemas tengan las etiquetas de ENERGY STAR y EnergyGuide. La guía de productos que se encuentra en la parte de atrás de este folleto le ayudará a encontrar la unidad del tamaño correcto que usted necesita.
  
  
• $ Consejos para ahorrar dinero a largo plazo: Considere la instalación de un ventilador para toda la casa o de un enfriador de evaporación si esto es adecuado para el clima del lugar donde vive. Consulte Consumer's Guide para más información sobre el enfriamiento eficiente.

Air Conditioners

Buying a bigger room air-conditioning unit won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months. In fact, a room air conditioner that's too big for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit.

Sizing is equally important for central air-conditioning systems, which need to be sized by professionals. If you have a central air system in your home, set the fan to shut off at the same time as the cooling unit (compressor). In other words, don't use the system's central fan to provide circulation, but instead use circulating fans in individual rooms.

Cooling Tips

• Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic.

• Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.

• Avoid setting 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.

• Avoid placing 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. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

Long-Term Savings Tips

• If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling. Look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels. The shopping guide in the back of this booklet will help you find the right size unit for your needs.

• Consider installing a whole-house fan or evaporative cooler if appropriate for your climate. Check out www.energysavers.gov for more information on efficient cooling.