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SUPER
CLIMA - UPGADE YOUR A/C SYSTEM
A little planning before installing your
air conditioner will save you energy and money.
The
unit should be level when installed, so that the inside
drainage system and other mechanisms operate efficiently.
If possible, install the unit in a shaded spot on your home's
north or east side. Direct sunshine on the unit's outdoor
heat exchanger decreases efficiency by as much as 10%. You
can plant trees and shrubs to shade the air conditioner,
but do not block the airflow.
Don't
place lamps or televisions near your air-conditioner's thermostat.
The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which
can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Set
your air conditioner's thermostat as high as comfortably
possible in the summer. The less difference between the
indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall
cooling bill will be. And don't set your thermostat at a
colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner.
It will not cool your home any faster and could result in
excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
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Set
your air conditioner's thermostat as high as comfortably possible
in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor
temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. And don't
set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn
on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and
could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
Set
the fan speed on high, except on very humid days. When humidity
is high, set the fan speed on low for more comfort. The low speed
on humid days will cool your home better and will remove more moisture
from the air because of slower air movement through the cooling
equipment. Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your
window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively
through your home without greatly increasing electricity use.
Proper
maintenance of your air conditioner will also save energy. Be sure
to do the following:
At
the start of each cooling season, inspect the seal between the air
conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with
the unit's metal case. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool
air to escape from your house.
Check your unit's air filter once a month and clean or replace filters
as necessary. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner's
energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit's drain channels.
Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and
the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.
In
the winter, either cover your room air conditioner or remove and
store it.
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