Today's
TECHNOLOGY AND YOU

New air conditioners don't break a sweat or your wallet

New air conditioners are quiet, efficient

Q: Dear Jim: Our noisy old central air conditioner is on its last legs and costs a lot to operate. I need a new one, but the sales hype is confusing. What is best for 1999 and is installing a new one a wise move? - Steve F.

A: Dear Steve: There have been many significant changes and improvements in central air conditioners over just the past several years. Some changes will lower your utility bills, some improve your family's comfort level and still others improve the environment. By the way, don't feel bad. Even with an engineering degree, I find the sales hype confusing at times, too.

One of the most significant improvements is in the increase in efficiency levels. Some models have SEER'S (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios) as high as 18. If you replace your old air conditioner with a SEER of eight at best, your air conditioning cost will be cut by more than half. In most cases, installing a new air conditioner is a wise financial decision even if your old one still works.

The best new models, and most efficient, are actually a step back in complexity, but a step forward in reliability and comfort. Gone are the complicated totally variable speed compressors of the mid-90's. They worked well, but were extremely expensive to produce. With better, computerized controls now, simpler two-speed and two-compressor models are as effective.

For the best comfort, indoor air quality, lowest utility bills and indoor/outdoor noise levels, a new multilevel cooling output model is an excellent choice. These top-end models may cost as much as 20 percent to 30 percent more than a typical single-level model, so you must consider both the lower utility bills and evaluate the value of the extra comfort.

These multilevel output models operate at a super efficient lower-cooling output level the majority of the time. At this quiet low level, they run longer for better dehumidification and constant indoor temperatures. They only switch to the highest-output level on the hottest afternoons.

For people with allergies, like myself, the fact that

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING AUGUST 1999

these models (many companies produce them) run at a lower output level is an advantage. With the central air conditioner and blower running longer, the central air cleaner operates longer and is more effective. Also, with reduced and more constant dehumidification, mold and dust mites can be better controlled.

All of these multilevel models use special, efficient (ICM or ECM) blower motors indoors. The speed of these motors can be varied by the electronic controls so that the air-flow is perfectly matched to the varying cooling needs of your house and compressor cooling output. Standard blower motors run at a single cooling speed no matter how hot or humid it is.

By the design of these blower motors, they also consume much less electricity. This makes them ideal for continuous air circulation without driving up your electric bills too much. Another advantage is that these motors have soft-start controls. They slowly ramp up to full speed for quiet, no-draft (for winter heating also) air circulation too.

Many of the reasonably-priced, single-level models use scroll compressors without pistons and valves. It compresses the refrigerant in a constant process of rotating scroll-shaped members. There are very few moving parts inside and they actually wear in over time and operate better.

Models with scroll compressors are reliable and quiet with efficiencies up to a SEER of 14. Installing one of these will still cut your electric bills significantly.

Several models now use ozone-friendly R410A (called Puron by some manufacturers) refrigerant instead of freon. Current R-22 freon will eventually be phased out of use by law. There were two new ozone-friendly refrigerants being considered, but it appears in 1999 that the R410A is the way that most manufacturers will go.

There are also other advantages of these new R410A-refrigerant models. They operate at higher pressures, requiring heavy, stronger tubing and compressors. This also makes them durable and quiet. With R410A, the overall size of the outdoor compressor unit can be smaller for a given SEER.

Write for (or instant download- www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 908 - buyer's guide of the most efficient multi- and single-level central air conditioners, cooling outputs, SEER'S, comfort features, warranties and a payback chart. Please include $3.00 and a business-size SASE. Mail to: Jim Dulley, Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708.

Fantastic benefits of fans #&$@?%! That's what many people say when they get their electric bill for August. Even when you are trying to be conservative, it's hard to keep from using the air conditioner when the temperature is in the upper 90's. Adding fans can help keep you cool and help lower your summer electric bill. Most ceiling fan users find that they can raise their thermostat five to six degrees higher without giving up any comfort. By raising your thermostat five degrees, you can reduce your energy costs for cooling by 15 to 20 percent. A ceiling fan uses 150 watts or less each day while an average air-conditioner uses 3000 to 4000 watts. Add a ceiling fan to your bedroom and other high use areas of your home. During the evening and early morning you may be able to turn your air conditioner completely off and use a whole-house ventilating fan. As long as the air outside is below 82 degrees, you can keep your home comfortably cool and cut your energy requirements by about two-thirds. This type of fan is usually placed in a hall somewhere near the center of the house. The only drawback is a whole-house ventilating fan will draw in pollen and dust from the outside. For the best in cooling go underground If you've ever wondered about the geothermal heat pump here are some of the answers. To see how much it could save you call us for an energy audit and load analysis. Just call your local electric cooperative or geothermal heat pump contractor. Q. What is a geothermal heat pump? A. A geothermal heat pump is just like an air conditioner except it uses the natural heat storage ability of the earth to heat and cool. It will even provide you with hot water. Q. How does it work? A. Like any heat pump, it simply moves heat energy from one place to another. Your refrigerator works in the same way, moving heat from inside to the outside. Q. How is heat transferred between the earth and home? A. The earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. Geothermal heat pumps simply take advantage of the earth's constant temperature, versus the wide swings in air temperature, to move heat. A loop of pipe is buried in the ground like a giant radiator to either absorb or dump heat. Q. Can a geothermal heat pump also heat water for my home? A. Yes, using what's called a desuper heater, a geothermal heat pump will save you about 60 percent on your water heating bill.

AUGUST 1999 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING 19