Efficient Air Conditioners Save Money, Energy

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http://ens.lycos.com/ens/nov99/1999L-11-29-09.html

EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONERS SAVE MONEY, ENERGY

WASHINGTON, DC, November 29, 1999 (ENS) - The Department of Energy (DOE) is

speeding up the development of new efficiency standards for central air

conditioners and heat pumps. The new standards will reduce homeowners'

utility bills, save energy and improve air quality. Energy Secretary Bill

says the new standards are part of a six point initiative to help

prevent major power outages. " Air conditioning can account for more than 50

percent of summer household electricity consumption, and costs homeowners

billions of dollars each year, " said . " By increasing the

efficiency of central air conditioners and heat pumps, we will help minimize

the impact of future heat waves on the U.S. power grid and help consumers

and businesses save money and energy. "

The current air conditioner standard is a seasonal energy efficiency rating

(SEER) of 10. The proposed new rules set efficiency standards ranging from

11 - 13 SEER. If adopted, a higher standard could represent an increase in

efficiency of 10 to 30 percent over today's central air conditioners. Higher

minimum efficiency standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps can

save significant amounts of energy. For example, increasing the existing

minimum efficiency standard for air conditioners and heat pumps by 10

percent to 20 percent would save enough energy over 25 years to supply

electricity for up to 26 million homes in the U.S. for one year. More

efficient air conditioners will also decrease greenhouse gas emissions

linked to global climate change.