If you must use air conditioning because of the extreme heat in your region, try these suggestions to keep make your unit more efficient and friendly for the environment:
1. Avoid using older air conditioners because of their dependence on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs cause damage to the ozone layer. Air conditioning systems that use halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are better but the greenest air conditioning systems use hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s).
2. Change or clean the filter regularly. This can decrease the energy consumed by 5 to 15 percent.
3. Find a good technician to fix any leaks and charge your air conditioning system with the right amount of refrigerant. Leaks can damage the environment. http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/A/AE_air_conditioner.HTML
4. Avoid using bath and kitchen fans when using the air conditioner.
5. Clean coils to keep your air conditioner running efficiently.
6. Avoid using a dehumidifier when running the air conditioner. It will cause the air conditioner to work harder. http://www.electricitychoices.org/airconditioning.HTML
Summer is all about enjoying the warmth while avoiding extreme heat. Air conditioning is one way to do that, but if you don’t live in extreme heat, there are lots of green alternatives that will save you money too.
