Show / Hide All What is the most efficient thermostat setting for air conditioning? The best setting is the highest temperature at which you are comfortable. We recommend 78 degrees when you're home and 80 degrees while you are away. As a rule, raising the thermostat setting just two degrees will reduce cooling costs by five percent. When I replace my central air conditioner, would it be more efficient to get a larger unit? Will it make the house more comfortable? It is best to get a properly sized unit. Although a larger unit may run for shorter periods of time, it will use more electricity due to its larger size. It may also fail to properly dehumidify the home. A properly sized unit will control both temperature and humidity, making the home more comfortable. What does the "EER" or "SEER" rating on an air conditioner mean? Both EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) are indicators of how efficient the unit is. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the lower the operating cost.

SEER is used with central air conditioners, while EER is used with room air conditioners. For new central systems, SEERs of 12 or higher are generally considered high-efficiency units. ac unit not working properlyFor room units, EERs of 11 or higher are considered high-efficiency.air conditioning unit new york What is the recommended SEER rating for a central air conditioner?best hvac unit residential The current minimum requirement is 10.0 SEER. This is significantly more efficient than older units. Ratings of 11.0 to 12.0 are common, and will have lower operating costs. Units with SEERs as high as 15 are available. The more you use your central air conditioning, the more you will benefit from higher SEER ratings, and the more likely that the additional cost will be offset by energy savings.

I have one room in my home that is always too hot in the summer. What can I do to make that room more comfortable? If the room has a large area of exposed glass, keep curtains or blinds closed during daylight hours, particularly at times when the sun would shine directly in. You might also ask your air conditioning contractor to check whether you are getting enough air in that room. There may be a problem with your duct system. Will ceiling fans help cool my home in summer, and should I run them constantly, even when my air conditioning is running? Ceiling fans can help make the home more comfortable, either alone or in combination with your air conditioner, by creating more air movement, which makes the air feel cooler. But remember that they do not actually cool the air, so there is no point in running them in unoccupied rooms or when no one is at home. What is a "whole-house fan" and is it a good option for cooling my home? A whole-house fan is a large ventilating fan, typically mounted in a ceiling between the living space and attic.

The fan draws air out of the living space and exhausts it to the attic, and then out through the attic vents. For the most effective ventilation, a window or windows in the lower part of the house should be partially opened, to bring cooler air into the home.Department of Residence Life & Housing Toll Free: (800) 446-9488 x5433 Location: Campus Living Office (Elm Hall) 8 am – 6pm 10 am – 5pm Apartments at Mines Park Office Toll Free: (800) 446-9488 x5444 Location: Community Center 2 at Mines Park 8 am – 7pm 10 am – 5pmThursday's massive Colby Fire, burning in the foothills above Glendora and Asuza, has sent up a plume of toxic smoke that can be seen practically from the Pacific coastline. Even if your home is not in the path of the fire, you can still be affected by smoke particles released into the air, experts say. What's in that smoke, and how much should you be worried about breathing today? RELATED: Colby Fire: 3 suspects in Glendora fire ID'd, held on $20,000 bail

Depending on the fire, the smoke can be made up of various substances including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor, particulate matter, organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides and more. Exposure to smoke can cause a range of health effects, from eye and lung irritation to asthma and premature death. Particulate matter is the main public health threat during short-term exposure to wildfire smoke, so it’s crucial to protect yourself. “Really it's about common sense,” said Philip Fine of the South Coast Air Quality Management District on AirTalk Thursday. “If you can see the smoke, if you can smell the smoke, you can tell when the particulate matter levels are really high. If you can do that, you should exercise caution.” Here are tips on how to stay safe if you're in the patch of a wildfire from the AQMD and the Air Resources Board: What should I do if I’m in an area affected by smoke?close all doors and windows. Everyone should avoid vigorous outdoor and indoor activity.

Those with respiratory difficulties or heart problems, as well as the elderly and young children should all remain indoors. Keep windows closed and run your air conditioner if possible. Running an indoor air filter is effective in helping reduce the amount of polluted air inside the home. Do not use any indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances or fireplaces. When smoke subsides, you should air out your home to clear any polluted air that might be trapped inside. What if I don’t have air conditioning, and it’s too hot to stay inside? Heat can be dangerous to anyone, but especially the elderly and very young. If you rely on open windows and doors for cooling, AQMD recommends you stay with friends or family, or head to a clean air shelter. What if I have to be outside? The best thing to do is to seek shelter, but if you must be outside, being prepared is key. Wearing a special N95 or P100 respirator mask can help protect you against the fine particles in smoke.

Paper or surgical masks are not effective in preventing inhalation of smoke. Who is the most vulnerable to smoke exposure? Most healthy people will recover quickly if exposed to smoke, but there’s a large number of people who should take extra precaution. People with asthma and those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases can experience worsening of their conditions if they inhale smoke. The elderly, young children and pregnant women are all sensitive populations that should avoid exposure. In addition, smokers should beware, because they may not feel symptoms of exposure as acutely as non-smokers. What if I’m driving through an area affected by smoke? A car should only be used to leave an area, not as shelter. If you’re in a car, close windows and doors and run your car’s air conditioner, making sure you’re circulating the air already in the car and not pulling in fresh/smoky air. However, according to the AQMD, carbon dioxide levels can spike quickly in newer cars if vents and windows are closed and the circulation setting is on.