Consumer Reports offers tips to beat the heat while trimming energy costs

Posted Saturday, July 19, 2008

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

Yonkers, NY — 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’sother 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.
 

• 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.

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, and Kenmore 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.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this newspaper's web site.