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A cool head is required to buy the best AC equipment for your needs. Why waste
your hard-earned money on an air conditioner that is too big or too small for
the space, window and exposure considerations? Choosing the wrong unit or
improperly installing it will waste energy and drain money from your wallet.
Cooling Load Estimate
The best way to accurately determine the right size air conditioner is through
a Cooling Load Estimate. Your heating and cooling contractor should know how
to make this calculation which translates factors that include square footage
of windows and number of people using the rooms into a BTU (British Thermal
Unit) rating. All AC equipment is rated in BTU's. Room air conditioner BTU
ratings range from 5,000 - 25,000 BTU's. If you want to know how to do your
own Cooling Load Estimate, send a self-addressed stamped long envelope to the
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and ask for their Cooling Load
Estimate Form. The address for AHAM is 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
60606.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Look for the EER (energy-efficiency rating) when you are shopping for air
conditioners. The higher the EER posted on the equipment, the less
electricity it will take to run it - which means you save money on utility
bills. A rating of 9.0 is currently considered a good EER for home air
conditioners.
Increase your air conditioner's efficiency:
Where you put the air conditioner is another factor to consider for
efficient operation and savings. Be sure to put a window or wall air
conditioner where it will be shaded from afternoon sun by a tree or awning.
It won't have to work as hard.
The air conditioner should be mounted so that it is slightly tilted toward
the outside so that it'll drain condensed water onto the ground and not back
into the window.
Be SURE to block any gaps around the equipment with weather stripping or
sections of foam plastic.
Close off or block any furnace ducts during the summertime to prevent loss
of cool air into ductwork.
Unplug the AC and take out it's filter once a month for washing during its
hot weather use. The filter usually is held in by simple clips or tabs. Wash
it in a mild soapy solution and let it dry.
While you've got the filter out, vacuuming or brush out around the
evaporator coils. Be sure you have the AC unplugged during any of the
cleaning activities.
Regular cleaning will make the AC's job easier - again, saving you money on
energy bills.
These things all add up!
Shop At Home for AC Equipment and Other Appliances
Your AHA membership brings you the convenience of a leading nationwide "Shop-
By-Phone" service which offers over 250,000 brand-name products at guaranteed
low prices, all from the comfort and security of your home. Save on the
purchase of TVs, VCRs, camcorders, stereos, furniture, china, jewelry,
appliances and much more from famous brands like GE, RCA, Panasonic, Lenox and
many more. With delivery right to your door. Plus, your purchases over $150
are backed by the service's Three Way Guarantee: Guaranteed lowst delivered
price or the shopping service will pay you double the difference; protection
against loss or damage during delivery; and, protection against loss of
payment. A few restrictions and and requirements apply. Tor order, obtain a
price quote or get more information, call toll-free 1-800-470-2AHA (470-2242)
and furnish your AHA membership number.
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