Air Conditioning Appreciation Days: July 3 - August 15
June 12, 2001 -- Contact Joe Stevens
(703-524-8800)
ARLINGTON, VA - It is hard to find an industry where air conditioning and refrigeration has not impacted operations significantly in the past 50 years. It has influenced virtually every part of our lives. And when the hot, humid days of summer roll around, we are reminded to recognize, and "appreciate" air conditioning for its accomplishments.
How many tempers have been quelled? How has productivity been increased? How many technologies have been allowed to develop? How many medical problems have been alleviated and how has our quality of life been improved because of air conditioning? Today, we consider air conditioning almost a necessity in our working and personal lives.
With summer bringing those hot, sticky days, it's no surprise that July 3 through August 15 are "Air Conditioning Appreciation Days," a period that we commonly refer to as "the dog days of summer," based on ancient Roman traditions. As part of "Air Conditioning Appreciation Days," The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) wants every homeowner to know that "appreciating" or caring for your air conditioner can save you money and keep your equipment operating smoothly during the "dog days of summer."
ARI has developed a list of basic guidelines that can help you keep cool this summer, and at minimum cost:
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Clean and replace the air conditioner's filter frequently (monthly during heavy use).
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Central air conditioners and heat pumps should have annual, equipment inspections by a trained technician who will check refrigerant fluid and mechanical operations.
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Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other dirt and debris away from your outdoor unit. And keep the conditioner's coils clean, following manufacturers instructions.
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Don't block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow around the house.
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Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.
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Run fans to keep air moving, so you feel cooler and can cut back air conditioner use.
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Avoid using the oven during the day. Run the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the evening, when electricity rates may be lower and heat from those appliances won't increase the demands on your air conditioner.
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Turn off lamps, TV and other appliances when not in use.
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Raise the thermostat setting as much as you can without sacrificing comfort. For every degree you raise the setting, you can expect to cut your energy consumption by 3 to 5 percent.
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Consider use of a programmable thermostat to automatically increase or decrease temperatures during the day or night to suit a family's lifestyle and reduce energy cost.
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Use shades, blinds, or curtains to keep sunlight out of the house.
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Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is on.
ARI has the answers to 42 questions consumers most often ask about central indoor comfort systems. Send a self-addressed stamped business envelope to: ARI, 4301 North Fairfax Drive (Suite 425), Arlington, Virginia 22203, and ask for your free copy of "How To Keep Your Cool And Save Cold Cash," or visit ARI's Web site at www.ari.org to view an online version of the brochure.
You will appreciate air conditioning even more when you keep your costs down and your equipment running smoothly.
The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute is the trade association representing
manufacturers of more than 90 percent of U.S. produced central air-conditioning and commercial
refrigeration equipment.
This and other news items may be found on the Internet at ARI's World Wide Web
site, http://www.ari.org.
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