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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 conditioning systems have found their way into many homes that
might otherwise be adequately conditioned by opening
windows and using ceiling fans for
ventilation..
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 as high as 14 or 15, 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
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 Santa
Monica's
Green Building
website. Energy Star air conditioning units are covered on the
Energy Star
website.
Room air conditioners are less
efficient per electrical unit consumed, but can be a
practical and less energy-using alternative if used
in lieu of central air systems. Both heating and cooling
systems can be made more efficient by 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. See the following EnergyStar information on
thermostats.
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