by B. Lee

Created on: June 25, 2008

This article concerns how to select the right air conditioner
and use it efficiently.

Summer rolls around and thoughts turn to hot days, sultry nights and trying to
keep cool. So, you dust off your old air conditioner, and start it up. You
notice the unit is not cooling as efficiently as you would like or that it
is not working at all. Use the tips in this article to purchase

the appropriate replacement air conditioner and use the unit efficiently.

1. Update. Get rid of that old model air conditioner and upgrade to a newer
energy efficient model. According to experts at the U.S. Department of Energy,
purchasing a new energy efficient model will save up to half on your energy
cooling bill. Remember to look for the Energy Star or Energy Guide Label on the unit.

2.The right size. Select the right size air conditioner for your room. A larger model
air conditioner isn't necessarily more energy efficient. A model that is too big
uses more power and is less effective in a small room.

3.Let it flow. Room air conditioners work better and more effectively if you allow
them to run continually for a long period of time instead of constantly
turning them on and off.

4. More is less waste. Set your air conditioners thermostat higher. For example,
instead of a cool 62 degrees switch to a comfortable 70. This will save you money
on your cooling bill.

5. Distribute. Place a fan in front of the air conditioner to distribute the
cool air around the room.

6. Keeping cool. Setting your air conditioners thermostat to the coolest setting
will not cool your home any faster. The only thing it will do is increase your
cooling bill.

7. Feel the heat. Never place heat producing objects near your air conditioning unit.
This includes bulbs or cooking units. The air conditioner senses the heat
and works harder to keep the surrounding area cool. Therefore, increasing
the energy expenditure and raising your cooling bill.

8. Insulate. Insulate the window around your air conditioner to
prevent air leaks. Your air conditioner will work more
efficiently and the cool air will stay where it belongs: inside
your house.

9. Central air. Install a room unit instead of central air conditioning
if you only use a few rooms in your house.

10. Filters. Replace all air conditioner filters regularly. A clean filter will
ensure your air conditioner cools much better.

11. Shady. Place your air conditioner on the shady side of the house.
Your unit will work more efficiently.

12. No shrubs. Never block the unit with shrubs or tree's. This will cause
it to work harder. And use more energy.

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