THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is urging consumers to think smart when choosing an AC unit, so they could be able to afford one in times like these — when Climate Change is a global concern.Noting that, with temperatures soaring worldwide, having air conditioning in one’s home can no longer be considered a luxury, GEA has said: “By making wise use of your air conditioner, you reduce energy consumption, which in turn reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes positively to the environment.”

The Agency made the foregoing observation by way of a press release issued over the weekend, in light of the month of November being designated ‘Energy Month’, and with this year’s theme being “Sustainable Energy for Sustainable Development (SE4SD)”.

Though costly to acquire, and a burden on one’s pocket where energy consumption is concerned, GEA said, the one indisputable fact is that air conditioning aids significantly, especially in tropical climates like Guyana’s, in cooling offices and homes. But with the right information, “one can certainly choose wisely when deciding what type of unit to purchase; and once the purchase has been made, there are simple things that can be done to maximise energy efficiency, thereby saving on electricity costs.”

The upfront costs for a new energy-efficient AC unit, the GEA says, can be easily offset over time from the energy savings gained through lower energy bills. One should choose either a unit with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER), or one with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).

GUIDING PRINCIPLE
Explaining the principle on which the device works, GEA Public Communications Officer Taiwo Williams said that air conditioners, popularly known as ‘AC Units’,, “keep a room cool by moving heat from inside a home or office to the outside. They blow cool air into a building or room by pulling the heat out of the air.

“The air is cooled by blowing it over a set of cold pipes called an evaporator coil. This coil is filled with a special liquid, called a refrigerant, which changes from a liquid to a gas as it absorbs heat from the air.

“The refrigerant is then pumped outside the house to another coil, where it gives up its heat and changes back into a liquid. A pump, called a compressor, is used to move the refrigerant between the two coils, and to change the pressure of the refrigerant so that it evaporates or condenses in the appropriate coils.”

Whether you are considering the first-time purchase of an AC unit or planning to replace your old one, there are tips that would help the atmosphere stay cool, save you energy, and reduce utility bills.

TIPS
Among some of those tips, GEA says, is investing in air conditioner units that have higher SEER/EER ratings from trusted manufacturers, or in ‘Energy Star’-certified air conditioners which have the required EER/SEER ratings, unlike standard models.

“Choose the right size of unit. An air conditioner that is oversized for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly-sized unit,” Williams said, adding:
“Locate the AC in an area near the centre of the room and on the shadiest side of the building; minimise air leakage by fitting the room air conditioner snugly into its opening and sealing gaps with a foam weather stripping material. Keep out direct sunlight, and close curtains or blinds during the day to reduce the amount of effort your air conditioner expends to keep your home/office cool.”

And with computers and other home/office equipment also generating heat, the GEA stated, these equipment should be turned off when they are not in use. Doing so, it said, will reduce the heat load on the system, and prevent the AC unit from using more energy for cooling.

“Make sure all doors and windows are sealed properly, to keep your energy consumption low. If the cool air your air conditioner is circulating into your home/office is escaping, your system would have to work harder and longer to keep you cool,” the GEA said.

“Setting your thermostat at a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner will not cool your home or office any faster, the GEA said.

“This could result in excessive cooling, and therefore unnecessary expense. Replace or clean your window or central air conditioning filters at least once a month, or as directed by the manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict air flow and make air conditioners work harder to keep you cool,” the GEA added.