This is Air Conditioning Appreciation Week

Our warm summer temperature and high humidity can make us appreciate our air conditioners, but did you know that it is officially Air Conditioning Awareness Week?

Where Air Conditioning Awareness Week originated is unknown, but it is endorsed by members of the Upstate New York chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), a national trade association.

“This observance,” says ACCA board chairman Paul Maier, “gives us an opportunity to consider the benefits of air conditioning, in addition to keeping us cool.”

Maier explains that air conditioning can add value to a home. It can also regulate the indoor humidity, and the filter removes allergens from the air.

Energy conservation is always on consumers’ minds these days, and Maier suggests several ways to save energy. The filter is often overlooked; it should be cleaned or replaced often. Also, use a garden hose to wash the dust and grass clippings from the outdoor unit periodically.

The most obvious energy conservation measure is to set the thermostat at a higher temperature, such as 76-78 degrees. Maier also suggests setting programmable thermostats at a comfortable temperature and leaving them. “It takes more energy to cool a home than it does to heat it,” he says, “So, programming the thermostat to lower the temperature at night and when you are at work is fine in the winter. But, changing settings in the summer will use more energy than it saves.”

Maier notes that new technology allows any space to be air conditioned. Systems are now available for homes with baseboard heat and no ductwork. The compressor is outside, an air handler is in the attic or crawl space, and flexible ductwork is connected to outlets installed in the ceiling.

Air conditioning units can also be installed through a wall. Other units have an attractive coil and fan unit mounted on a wall with only the tubing to the outside compressor extending through the wall. These are called “mini-splits”. Neither system requires ductwork.

Our temperature and humidity will surely cause you to appreciate air conditioning, regardless of whether you have it or not. These tips from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Upstate NY Chapter can help you make wise selections if you don’t have air conditioning. Of course, Maier recommends an ACCA member to install your new air conditioning system, or keep your current system running at its best.

ACCA is the national non-profit trade association representing the educational, policy and technical interests of the small businesses that design, install and maintain indoor environmental systems. The Upstate New York chapter serves contractors and suppliers in the Rochester, Finger Lakes, Syracuse and Southern Tier areas.

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For further information, contact:

Duane Pancoast, APR

The Pancoast Concern, Ltd.

27 Maple Avenue

Victor, NY 14564

Tel: 585.924.4570

Fax: 585.924.2929

E-Mail: duane@thepancoastconcern.com