ACEEE NEWS RELEASE
COMBAT SUMMER HEAT AND HIGH ELECTRICITY
BILLS WITH ENERGY EFFICIENCY: UP-TO-DATE LISTS OF TOP-RATED HIGH-EFFICIENCY
AIR CONDITIONERS AVAILABLE
For further information:
Technical contact:
Jennifer Thorne Amann,
202-429-8873
Press Contact: Glee Murray
at 202-429-0063
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2004
WASHINGTON, D.C.
-- Don't doubt it: summer is almost here! For most Americans, climbing
mercury means increasing dependence on air conditioners and climbing
electric bills. Consumers can mop their brows in concern or take action
now. Whether choosing a new air conditioner or trying to get the best
service from an existing unit, keep an eye on energy efficiency—it's
a commonsense strategy that will pay off by keeping dollars in your
wallet. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
can help consumers in the market for a new air conditioner as well
as those seeking the best performance from their existing systems.
If you are shopping for a new central air conditioner, choose
a model with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or
higher. That level of efficiency will reduce utility bills, lessen
the environmental impact of electricity generation, and provide
a comfortable, less humid home—provided the unit is properly
sized and carefully installed. Other smart shopping tips include
the following:
-
Consider a unit that uses "R410A" or "R407C" refrigerants (sold
under various trade names) over "R22" refrigerant, which will
be phased out of new equipment by 2010.
-
Select a unit with a TXV (thermal expansion valve) and an EER
(Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 11 or higher. This will ensure efficient
performance on the hottest days.
-
Ask your contractor for units with these qualities—they are
not always specified in sales literature. The right air conditioner
for you may have a somewhat higher purchase price than the commodity-grade
best sellers. However, you can recoup the cost several times over
in lower operating costs while improving the comfort of your home.
Consumers can narrow their shopping choices by consulting up-to-date
lists of the most energy-efficient air conditioners—and a range
of other appliances—now available in ACEEE's valuable energy-saving
and cost-cutting resource, The Most Energy-Efficient Appliances
2004, and on the ACEEE Web site at http://aceee.org/consumerguide.
Not in the market for a new air conditioner? "Even an older air
conditioner can be improved with maintenance and regular cleaning,"
said Eric Mendelsohn of ACEEE. A new or cleaned filter helps conditioned
air reach each room, decreases motor wear and tear, and lowers electricity
consumption. More generally, an air conditioner tune-up performed
by a qualified contractor (look for contractors certified by North
American Technician Excellence, or NATE) can give the unit a new
lease on life with lower monthly utility bills and more comfort.
"A new efficient air conditioner or well-maintained older unit can
act as a hedge against the rising electricity prices anticipated
in several regions of the country," Mendelsohn added.
In addition, consumers can cut their energy use further by following
tips from ACEEE. "Wait until evening to take care of heat-generating
activities such as running your dishwasher, and keep your windows
and doors closed during the day to keep hot, moist air out. These
are some low-tech, low-cost ways to get the most out of your air
conditioner and keep cool," added Jennifer Thorne Amann, the principal
author of ACEEE's popular Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings.
More information and shopping advice, along with The Most Energy-Efficient
Appliances 2004 ($10.00 including shipping and handling) and
the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 8th edition ($13.95
including shipping and handling), are available through the ACEEE
web site, or contact ACEEE Publications, 1001 Connecticut Avenue,
N.W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20036-5525, 202-429-0063 phone,
202-429-0193 fax, aceee_publications@aceee.org.
#####
About ACEEE: The American Council
for an Energy-Efficient Economy is an independent, nonprofit organization
dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting
both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For information
about ACEEE and its programs and publications, contact ACEEE, 1001
Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20036-5525
or visit http://aceee.org
|
