Earth Saving Tips from  

Summer 2003  

SUMMER AIR CONDITIONING: GETTING YOUR DUCTS IN A ROW

The summer heat is here — time to turn on the air conditioning. Keeping your cool in summertime is easiest when your home or office air-conditioning system is in tip-top shape. Doing so will cut your summer energy bills and help to reduce the threat of global warming by using energy more efficiently. That means both you and the planet stay cooler!

Air conditioning and heating account for nearly half of all energy used in U.S. homes. A lot of that energy is wasted by inefficient or improperly maintained systems. For example, dust and dirt cause your cooling equipment to work harder.  That means higher energy bills.  Sealing duct leaks in your home and doing other routine maintenance can stop energy waste and save you 10% or more on your summer cooling bill.  Here are some more hot tips for a cooler summer:

BUYING AN AIR CONDITIONER

      Don’t overbuy.  Whether you plan to cool a single room or an entire house, buying the right size system will ensure that you keep your energy use and costs to a minimum. What’s the right size? It depends on many factors, including the size of the space, how much direct sunlight it gets, and the amount of insulation in ceiling and walls.

      Look for the energy label.   All new air conditioners carry a label showing their efficiency and how much they typically cost to run. This will help you find the most efficient model.  In particular, look for models that bear the ENERGY STAR™ label, which means they are the most efficient available.

USING YOUR SYSTEM

Buying the right system is only the beginning. Here are some tips to help you use your system wisely:

      An air conditioner will cool the air in your home fairly quickly. To save money, turn it on only when your home is occupied. Heat pumps operate most efficiently when left at a constant temperature.

      Consider installing a programmable thermostat. These allow you to set the time when the air conditioner will turn on, such as 30 minutes before you arrive home from work on a hot day.

      During the day, keep the drapes or blinds closed on windows that face east, south, and west.  This will help reduce solar heat gain into your home.

MAINTAINING YOUR SYSTEM

Whatever type of AC system you buy, however often you use it, be sure to keep it clean and working efficiently. Doing so will help keep the system running well — and help keep you cool for years. Here’s how:

       Change or clean the furnace filter once a month.

       Clean the outside compressor by spraying it with a hose.

       Keep plantings at least one foot away for adequate airflow around the entire unit.

       Vacuum registers and air vents regularly.

       Have your ductwork professionally cleaned every few years.

       Keep furniture and drapes away from registers.

       During the winter, keep the compressor covered and remove window air conditioners.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN — SUMMER CAR CARE TIPS

Going driving this summer? Summer driving can take its toll on our environment and our health. Ground-level ozone, also called smog, is formed when vehicle emissions mix with sunlight and heat. It can result in lung irritation and breathing difficulty, especially in the summer.

Before you leave home, make sure your car is ready for hot weather. That will ensure that your car works safely and efficiently, costs less to drive, and produces less pollution — and that your summer travel doesn’t take a wrong turn!  Here are some tips to keep you sailing safely down the summer road:

      Check your tires to make sure they can withstand heavy loads and high temperatures. Make sure you have the correct tire pressure in all tires, including the spare. If you’re not sure what’s correct, check the recommendations listed on the side of the driver’s door. Also make sure to check that your tires aren’t overly worn. If so, you should replace them.

      Make sure your radiator core is in good shape. If you live in a place where they salt the roads in winter, the salt can cause your radiator to become rusty and leaky, and your car to overheat. Have your radiator inspected and tested. Use antifreeze in your radiator, even in the summer. It contains corrosion inhibitors that will help reduce rusting.

      Don’t forget to change the oil. This is especially important in the summer because hot weather requires extra lubrication for the engine. If you will be pulling a trailer, use “severe duty” oil.

EARTH-SAFE SUMMER DRIVING TIPS

1. Observing the speed limit isn’t just a matter of safety and obeying the law, it can also save you money. In highway driving, over half the energy needed to move your car down the road goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag (that is, pushing air out of the way).  The faster you go, the greater the drag. Using your air conditioning while driving on the highway can reduce the drag of an open window, improving gas mileage.
2. Anticipating traffic conditions is another good way to increase fuel efficiency. Nearly half the energy needed to power your vehicle in the city goes to acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy. Avoiding extreme acceleration reduces unneeded braking and can improve fuel economy by up to 10%.
3. Avoid idling. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine.