Posts Tagged ‘saving money’

3 Low-Cost Green Air Conditioning Ideas

Monday, March 8th, 2010, by Simon Jones

To some, air conditioners are known as power-guzzling equipment. Only ever used as a last resort, the devices sit idle for almost the entire year, acting more as a decorative piece than as a useful home appliance.

The air conditioning assumption is true, to a point. Early air conditioners were power-guzzlers, and in many respects some modern models still are. Low-cost air conditioning service equipment and ageing air equipment in apartment buildings can really push a power bill to the extremes, especially when used in effectively.

These three low-cost green solutions help you cut down on costs and protect the planet at the same time. No longer does cooling your bedroom have to heat the planet and bloat your power bill.

1. Use solar-powered air conditioning Solar panels by Powerhouse Museum.

For some office buildings, it’s already a reality. Solar air conditioning is currently in the works as a mass-marketed system, but some innovative homeowners have experienced it already. If you can’t wait until it hits the market, consider building your own solar power system.

2. Build your own air conditioner

While it’s unlikely that a home-made air conditioner will be particularly slick and polished, it can be a great way to save money. With some cold water, a fan, and some tubing, you can turn cooling the home into an environmentally friendly DIY project.

3. Always use the timer setting

Every minute that your air conditioner is left on is another wasted cent, mini-watt, or carbon micro-unit. When you’re outside the room, turn the cool air off. When you’re sleeping, switch it onto the timer setting. When you want to come home from work to cool air, configure your air conditioner to switch on five minutes before you arrive.

For more information on air conditioning servicing and air conditioning maintenance contact Airconco.

3 Air Conditioning Tips for Healthy Sleep

Friday, March 5th, 2010, by Simon Jones

The importance of air conditioning is slightly neglected in Britain and north European countries. Chilling winters and relatively cool summers keep us without air conditioning for most of the year, and comfortable night-time temperatures make anything more than a ceiling fan a rarity in many British homes.

However, for many of the world’s more sun-friendly destinations, air conditioning is less of an option and much more of a necessity. Tropical night-time temperatures can regularly extend into the high 30s, making a sound night’s sleep almost impossible without help. These three air conditioning tips can make your night more comfortable, sound, and healthy, no matter where you are.

1. Keep temperatures consistent

If you’re coming towards the end of a hot day, keep the inside temperature relatively constant as you drift off to sleep. Dropping the temperature at night may help you get to sleep faster, but it can also lead to illness due to the sudden change in temperature. When in doubt, change the heat gradually.

2. Use a timer to save money

If you only need a moment’s air conditioning to help you drift off to sleep, set a timer so that the air conditioning unit isn’t on all night. A simple 30-minute window of cool air is often enough to fall asleep, and can end up saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

3. Clean your air conditioning filters

Air conditioners are designed to eliminate dust particles, but when unclean they can end up doing the exact opposite. Always keep your air conditioning filters clean and fresh, else you could end up with itchy skin or breathing issues. You should use an air conditioning maintenance company who provide air conditioning servicing to clean the filters.