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FOR ENVIRONMENT EDITOR:

COMBAT SUMMER HEAT AND HIGH ELECTRICITY BILLS WITH ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
Up-To-Date Lists of Top-Rated High-Efficiency Air Conditioners Available

WASHINGTON D.C., May 27, 2004, --/WORLD-WIRE/-- Don't doubt it: summer is almost here! For most Americans, climbing mercury means increasing dependence on air conditioners and climbing electric bills. Consumers can mop their brows in concern or take action now. Whether choosing a new air conditioner or trying to get the best service from an existing unit, keep an eye on energy efficiency -- it's a commonsense strategy that will pay off by keeping dollars in your wallet. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) can help consumers in the market for a new air conditioner as well as those seeking the best performance from their existing systems.

If you are shopping for a new central air conditioner, choose a model with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or higher. That level of efficiency will reduce utility bills, lessen the environmental impact of electricity generation, and provide a comfortable, less humid home-provided the unit is properly sized and carefully installed. Other smart shopping tips include the following:
  • Consider a unit that uses "R410A" or "R407C" refrigerants (sold under various trade names) over "R22" refrigerant, which will be phased out of new equipment by 2010.

  • Select a unit with a TXV (thermal expansion valve) and an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 11 or higher. This will ensure efficient performance on the hottest days.

  • Ask your contractor for units with these qualities -- they are not always specified in sales literature. The right air conditioner for you may have a somewhat higher purchase price than the commodity-grade best sellers. However, you can recoup the cost several times over in lower operating costs while improving the comfort of your home.
Consumers can narrow their shopping choices by consulting up-to-date lists of the most energy-efficient air conditioners -- and a range of other appliances -- now available in ACEEE's valuable energy-saving and cost-cutting resource, "The Most Energy-Efficient Appliances 2004," and on the ACEEE Web site at http://aceee.org/consumerguide.

Not in the market for a new air conditioner? "Even an older air conditioner can be improved with maintenance and regular cleaning," said Eric Mendelsohn of ACEEE. A new or cleaned filter helps conditioned air reach each room, decreases motor wear and tear, and lowers electricity consumption. More generally, an air conditioner tune-up performed by a qualified contractor (look for contractors certified by North American Technician Excellence, or NATE) can give the unit a new lease on life with lower monthly utility bills and more comfort. "A new efficient air conditioner or well-maintained older unit can act as a hedge against the rising electricity prices anticipated in several regions of the country," Mendelsohn added.

In addition, consumers can cut their energy use further by following tips from ACEEE. "Wait until evening to take care of heat-generating activities such as running your dishwasher, and keep your windows and doors closed during the day to keep hot, moist air out. These are some low-tech, low-cost ways to get the most out of your air conditioner and keep cool," added Jennifer Thorne Amann, the principal author of ACEEE's popular "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings."

More information and shopping advice, along with "The Most Energy-Efficient Appliances 2004" ($10.00 including shipping and handling) and the "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 8th edition" ($13.95 including shipping and handling), are available through the ACEEE web site.

About ACEEE
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

For information about ACEEE and its programs and other publications, visit the Web site: http://aceee.org


CONTACT: ACEEE Publications, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20036-5525, 202-429-0063 phone, 202-429-0193 fax, aceee_publications@aceee.org

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