Tips and Facts about Home Cooling
About 12% of the average home’s electricity costs involve air conditioning. Understanding how cooling systems are rated for efficiency can help you save energy and money!
KNOW YOUR EER/SEER
Check the EnergyGuide label affixed to all new cooling systems for operating efficiency, measured by Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the EER or SEER, the more energy efficient the air conditioner. Units with higher ratings may come with a higher purchase price, but their efficiency will repay that cost over and over again during their lifespan.
BUY ENERGY STAR®
If your cooling system needs replacing, consider an energy-efficient ENERGY STAR model. Cooling systems that have earned ENERGY STAR from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy combine high performance, attractive design, and the highest levels of efficiency.
Cool your world without heating up your wallet: Maui Electric Company recommends these simple steps to help raise your “cool IQ.” Learn how to use your air conditioner wisely to stay comfortable, conserve energy, save money on your electric bill, and protect the environment.
SIZE IT RIGHT
It is important to purchase the right sized cooling system and have it installed properly so your investment will deliver on its full energy performance promise.
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An undersized unit will not effectively handle the heat, causing the unit to overwork and not perform optimally.
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An oversized unit cools quickly, but can create a cold and clammy feel due to high humidity.
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If you are purchasing a central or split system, Maui Electric recommends obtaining two to three estimates from licensed air conditioning contractors.
CHILL ON TIME
A programmable thermostat can keep your home comfortable efficiently.
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Take advantage of your family’s busy schedule by programming your cooling system to turn off when the house is empty and automatically turn on before everyone gets home. Ask your air conditioner dealer or local hardware store for a thermostat that will work with your unit.
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Resist the urge to set your thermostat colder than normal when you first turn on the cooling system as it will not cool your home any faster. Too often it can lead to excessive cooling, unnecessary energy use, and added expense.
SAVE BY DEGREE
Save energy and money by setting your air conditioner thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree above 75ºF saves you approximately 3% of the energy used to cool your home.
MADE IN THE SHADE
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Cooling systems should be installed in a shaded location. Consider planting leafy trees and shrubs strategically to provide shade from the sun while beautifying your home. Be careful to keep plants from blocking air flow!
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Install awnings, blinds, or film on south and west facing windows to keep your home cooler by blocking out the warm afternoon sun, keeping your cooling system from working overtime during the hottest hours of the day.
MAINTAIN YOUR COOL
A clean, well-maintained cooling system is more efficient and will last longer because it does not have to work as hard.
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Schedule a cooling system maintenance check with a licensed contractor to ensure your central or split system is working safely and efficiently.
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Be sure to clean or change your air conditioner’s filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications – generally once a month for cleaning.
COOL HOME TIPS
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Replace your old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs with cool and efficient compact fluorescents (CFLs). Not only do CFLs use about 75% less energy and last longer, they are cool to the touch and won’t heat up your home.
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Leaks in windows, doors, and walls let cool air out and hot air in, so check your home for drafts and seal leaks that can make your cooling system work harder and longer.
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Fans provide additional cooling and increased air circulation so you can raise the thermostat and cut down on air conditioning costs.
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Delay running your dishwasher, oven and clothes dryer until the evening, as these appliances can heat up your home.
OTHER WAYS TO COOL
There are many low or no cost ways to keep your home cool.
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Open the windows and enjoy all natural Hawaiian trade winds.
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Ceiling fans use far less energy than air conditioners to keep you cool.
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Use trees, shrubs, or trellises to provide shade on the warmer east, west and south facing sides of your home.
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Attic insulation or a radiant barrier in the attic will keep the sun’s heat from transferring to your living area.
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Solar-powered attic fans use clean, free energy from the sun to draw out hot air and reduce attic temperatures by as much as 40%.
COOL RESOURCES
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