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Energy: Air Conditioning
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Santa Monica is blessed with a comfortable coastal environment tempered by ocean breezes that cool otherwise sweltering summer conditions.
Nevertheless, air conditioners have found their way into many homes that might otherwise be adequately cooled by opening windows and using ceiling fans for ventilation. In commercial settings as well, air conditioning systems of marginal usefulness are often in place where operable (opening) windows and fan ventilation could do the trick.
In new construction or major
renovations, owners have an opportunity to consider
better insulation, windows, shading systems, and
natural ventilation, which can sometimes eliminate
the need for air conditioning altogether. For more
information on these practices, consult the Green Building:Guidelines for Design.
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Residential
Many residential units are central systems rated with a SEER, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which must be 10.0 or higher based on energy codes. Efficient units have a SEER as high as 15 or 17, and are a good economic choice when new or replacement systems are considered for purchase. Users should select units with energy-saving features such as the economizer mode, which makes best use of cooler air during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, and in early mornings and evenings, to reduce the hours of costly compressor use.
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Energy Star air conditioning units are covered on the
Energy Star website.
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Room air conditioners are less
efficient per electrical unit consumed, but can be a
practical and a less energy-using alternative if used
in lieu of central air systems Both heating and cooling
systems can be made more efficient through good use of
controls, in particular, programmable thermostats,
properly adjusted to keep AC use to a minimum during
non-critical periods (e.g. at night and during
periods of non-occupancy. EnergyStar also has information on programmable thermostats.
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Commercial
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| The operating cost of air conditioning systems are a major portion of
the commercial energy bill. Many of the systems in small commercial
establishments utilize package rooftop systems (shown in photo),
notorious for their lower efficiencies and their propensity for
worsening efficiency with age. Commercial business owners are
encouraged to ensure efficiency: |
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- Use maintenance contracts that check system conditions periodically.
- Maintain clean filters.
- Ensure proper operation of energy-saving features such as the economizer mode, which makes best use of cooler air during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, and can be used to reduce the hours of costly compressor use.
- Contact our staff and we can help you get started.
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Last updated: Monday, 07/20/2009
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Time for a Tune-up?
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The Community Energy Partnership can help Santa Monica residents get off on the right, energy-efficient foot. Renters, homeowners, and property owners are eligible for an Energy Tune-Up at NO COST. This service is worth up to $250.00 in direct utility services, and includes materials and labor. In three easy steps, your Energy Tune-Up will start saving you money today.
More Info 
To sign up, email partnership@energycoalition.org or call 800-968-5203. |
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