Global Warming

Over past centuries, we have been burning high amount of fuels such as wood, coal, oil, natural gas and gasoline. The gases emitted in this process, such as carbon dioxide, methane are building up in the atmosphere. They act like greenhouse glass trapping the heat. The result, some experts believe is the Earth heating up and undergoing global warming.

Global warming could cause:
• Global Temperature rise
• Flooding - as polar ice caps melt, raising sea levels
• Extreme weather events due to shifting ocean currents
• Deserts to spread as land dries up

Tips To Save Energy: At Home
You can quickly and easily cut down monthly energy cost and help reduce global warming:

Know How
??? Use natural light and air to the maximum extent.
?? Switch off lights and fans when you leave the room.
?? Turn off from switch point or unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. These products use electricity (“standby power”) even when not in use.

Tips To Save Energy: At Work

Show leadership by being a responsible employee and save energy at workplace andcontribute in reducing global warming:

Know How?
?? Maximize use of natural light.
?? Turn off unnecessary office lights.
?? Turn off office equipment such as printers, computers, fax machines and coffee makers at night and when not in use.
?? Use laptop computers as it uses up to 90% less energy than desktop computers.
?? Set ‘sleep’ mode for computer monitors.
?? Keep windows and doors closed to prevent the loss of cooled air. Adjust blinds and window coverings on windows that receive direct sun.
?? Keep AC thermostat setting at 240C.?? Clean AC filters and ducts regularly.

Optimize Energy Consumption and Maintenance of Air Conditioner

Optimize Energy Consumption of Air Conditioner

Air conditioner has become a common appliance for homes as well as offices as a means of comfort. But it can contribute to as high as 50% of your total Energy Consumption. If the Air Conditioner is old, inefficient or poorly maintained, it becomes an Energy Guzzler.

With summer round the corner, this volume of “Save Power” brings you the tips ranging from installation of the Air Conditioner to its proper operation and maintenance. It also gives you insight on how to choose an Air Conditioner while you are making a purchase.

Care to be taken during Air Conditioner Installation

• Allow adequate space for the installation, maintenance, and repairs of AC system.

• Place the condensing unit in a shady spot, which can reduce your air conditioning costs by 1% to 2%.

• Get the installation done by authorised professional personnel observing manufacturer’s instructions Right Sizing is the key As rule of thumb a room requires about 10,000 BTU/hour for every 500 sq. feet of floor space.

However, the requirement of air conditioning capacity varies as per:

• Size and orientation of the space.

• The shade on windows, walls, and roof i.e. the heating of the space.

• INsulation of the rooms.

• Number of occupants and appliances in the roomIt is very important to buy a right sized unit as.

• If the unit is oversized

o it costs more to buy a larger air conditione.

o the larger-than-necessary air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently, reducing its efficiency and life.

o a larger unit consumes more electricity.

• If the unit is undersized

o It may not cool to desired temperature on hotter days.

oThe unit will keep on running continuously to achieve the preset temperature,affecting it’s life .

Operating Tips

• Use fan in stead of Air Conditioners whenever possible. They use much less energy.

• Make use of fans to supplement Air Conditioning. It allows you to raise the thermostat temperature resulting in lower energy consumption.

• Do not set temperature setting too low. 24oC to 25oC is comfortable for human body.

• Lowering the temperature by every single degree costs you additional power. You can save 3% to 5% energy for each degree set above 22 oC.

• Keep the room doors, windows and vents tightly shut when Air Conditioner is running, to prevent leakage of cooled air.

• Check the Air Conditioner settings. Make sure the ‘fresh air’ vent is closed. So that the cooled air does not escape the room. Open this vent once everyday for fresh air intake.

• Draw the curtains and drapes of the room during summer months to prevent solar heat gain

Maintenance of Air Conditioner

• Clean the Air Conditioner Filter every month. Unclean, cloggy filters block the normal air flow resulting in lower efficiency.

• Air Conditioner Condenser should be cleaned periodically. Use of professional help through Annual Performance Contract can be effective.

• Recycle or recharge the air conditioner refrigerant every few years by seeking professional help. This increases the air conditioner performance.

• If your Air Conditioner is not giving desired output, consider replacing it with a new Energy Efficient Air Conditioner.

Intend to buy or replace your Air Conditioner?

• Choose the right size air conditioner as per your needs• Look for the energy efficient BEE Star Labeled Air conditioner. More the stars in Red, more the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and lesser the energy consumption.

• By paying a bit more initially you can enjoy lower operating costs. Ahigher star Air Conditioner will pay for itself in few years compared toa non-star Air Conditioner.

• To find more about Energy Efficient air conditioner fitting your requirements please visit the website of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) at http://www.bee-india.nic.in/