Consumer Reports Offers Tips to Beat The Heat While Trimming Energy Bills in Tough Times

CR's July cooling package includes air conditioner ratings and buying tips for ceiling fans

YONKERS, N.Y., June 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports offers tips on how to trim energy bills while still staying cool this summer including buying advice for ceiling fans and air conditioner ratings.

CR's special cooling package, available in the July issue, features "Cheap chills," tips to stay comfortable while using less air conditioning as well as buying advice for ceiling fans, ratings of small, midsized and large air conditioners, and reviews of six popular air conditioner brands.

The Haier ESAD4066, $240, topped Consumer Reports' latest air conditioner ratings among small models (5,000 to 6,000 BTU/HR). The GE ASM08LK, $260, topped the midsized category (7,000 to 8,200 BTU/HR). The GE ASM12AL, $350, scored highest among large air conditioners (9,800 to 12,500 BTU/HR).

Unlike the other models CR tested, the top-rated Haier uses R-410A, a relatively new refrigerant that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says doesn't deplete the ozone layer.

"You don't have to sacrifice comfort to save money on cooling this summer," said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor, Consumer Reports. "First, go for the fan, instead of automatically turning on the air conditioner, then create shade, and follow CR's other tips to trim energy bills."

The full report, which includes comprehensive ratings and buying advice for room air conditioners, as well as a report on ceiling fans, is in the July issue of Consumer Reports, on sale June 3. The reports are also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Cheap Chills

    --  Use fans more.  Fans cost little to run, and they create a breeze that
        can help people feel cooler.
    --  Create some shade. Close the drapes and blinds, and roll out the awnings
        to filter the sun, especially for west-facing windows in the afternoon.
        All can help keep the room's temperature from rising. Trees and
        bushes on the side of the home that gets the most western sun can also
        reduce cooling costs.
    --  Swap lightbulbs. Incandescent bulbs produce about 75 percent more heat
        than Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights.
    --  Summerize the house. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks help keep
        people comfortable year-round and can also lower energy bills by
        hundreds of dollars a year.
    --  Use the A/C wisely. Installing an air conditioner in a shady spot could
        increase its efficiency by up to 10 percent. For people who have central
        air conditioning, annual energy bills can be cut by about 10 percent by
        using a programmable thermostat. Turn it up 10 degrees when you're
        out. Don't lower the air conditioner's temperature when you
        turn it on. It won't cool the room any faster, but it may use more
        energy if you forget and overcool the room.
    --  Maintain the A/C. Dirty, clogged filters increase an air
        conditioner's energy use. Clean the filter on window units and
        central A/Cs monthly or as needed.

Air Conditioner Ratings

All 37 models in CR's ratings did an excellent job at cooling. They also have convenient features such as digital displays, built-in timers, and remote controls. Some units have touchpad controls, and a few change the direction of the air-flow automatically to disperse cool air throughout the room. But some models are noisy and others don't work as well during brownouts, when utilities reduce voltage to compensate for demand.

CR Best Buys for small air conditioners include the Frigidaire FAA067P7A (Lowe's), $150; GE ASM08LK, $260, andKenmore 76081, $230 for midsized models; and Haier ESA3105, $240 and Frigidaire FAC107P1A (Lowe's), $240 for large air conditioners.

Unlike air conditioners, ceiling fans won't lower a room's temperature or remove humidity. But consumers can save energy and money by using ceiling fans and turning off the air conditioning or by turning up the A/C's temperature a few degrees and letting the fan's breeze do the rest. But remember, ceiling and portable fans cool people, not the room, so don't leave them on when you're not there.

CR recently tested 19 models from three of the most popular brands: Hampton Bay, Harbor Breeze, and Hunter. Most were 52-inch diameter fans, the most popular size, and prices ranged from $45 to $270. CR's experts found that spending more didn't guarantee better performance but did get fancier finishes on the motor cover and blades.

CR's ceiling fan tests also revealed:

    --  Airflow and blade shape matter. Look at cubic feet per minute (cfm)
        numbers on the box to get an idea of how well the ceiling fan moves air.
        A higher number means more air movement, but don't fret over small
        differences. CR's tests revealed comparable airspeed from fans
        rated from 5,000 to 5,600 cfm.  Smooth blades are generally quieter on
        high speeds than textured ones.
    --  Lighting affects energy use. Energy Star-qualified models can only use
        compact fluorescent lights. Other models use specialty, halogen, or
        standard bulbs. Those bulbs can double or triple energy use.

Consumers Union 2008. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

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