Keeping cool

By Jessica Legge
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT July 15, 2008 06:41 pm

— When it comes to the costs of cooling, no two homes are alike, said Allen Staggers, manager of corporate communications for Allegheny Power.
“The good news for customers right now is electric rates haven’t changed,” he said. “They’ve been stable for several years. They aren’t any higher this summer. People’s bills will change based on how much electricity they use.”
According to www.energystar.gov, “Energy Star estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating.” A program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star reported that heating and cooling accounts for much of the energy used in homes and taking smart measures can really impact utility bills.
Having a house properly sealed and insulated is essential in the winter, but it’s just as important in the summer. Adequate insulation in the walls, floor and attic provides benefits for both heating and cooling a home, Staggers said.
He said a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner for a large room may cost about $15 or $16 a month to operate. A small 5,000 BTU window unit would probably run somewhere around $9 or $10 a month.
Because all homes are laid out differently, an average cost for central air conditioning is difficult to determine. However, the thermostat setting plays a big role, and setting the cooling temperature a few degrees warmer can make a difference on the energy bill, Staggers said.
“The biggest thing you can do is keep the thermostat adjusted probably as high as comfort permits, so it’s going to be a little bit different for everybody,” he said.
Staggers said people can investigate the use of programmable thermostats, which are available at most home centers and work for cooling and heating. Many people are not home during the day, and they can set the programmable thermostat at a different temperature while they’re away.
“They’re relatively easy to use, relatively simple to install, and they can help people save money,” he said.
The Energy Star Web site stated that a programmable thermostat can potentially save a household about $150 in energy costs annually.
Staggers said people can take several other steps to cut back on cooling costs without being miserable this summer.
He reminded persons to turn off lamps, television sets and anything else that produces heat while not in use. Individuals should also turn off kitchen and bathroom fans that vent when not needed.
Whether a house has central air conditioning or window units, the owner should make sure the filters are maintained properly and cleaned. In order to keep a cooling or heating system operating properly, draperies and furniture shouldn’t block the air flow, Staggers said.
Keeping draperies and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house can help with cooling, he said. Individuals can try to schedule activities like cooking and laundry that produce heat and humidity for the morning or evening when it’s not as hot. Also, a microwave doesn’t give off as much heat as an oven or stove.
Jim Webb has been working in the heating and cooling industry his entire life. In 1993, he started Webb Heating & Cooling along East Grafton Road on the outskirts of Fairmont.
“The only way to cut back on your cooling costs is to insulate — insulation or better windows or a more efficient air conditioner,” he said
Webb said the expense of running central air conditioning depends on how old the unit is. He said the newer units have a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER rating of a unit, the cheaper it is to operate. While an older unit may have an 8 to 10 SEER rating, he said a 14 SEER is the best way to go.
The cost to run a window air conditioner depends on the house and how hot it is. Webb said central air is a more effective way to cool a house.
“A window AC is not a very efficient unit,” he said.
Webb said a digital thermostat is a great tool. Also, sometimes people get units that are too big, and bigger’s not better in the air conditioning business.
He said it often costs more to stop and start the air conditioning, and there’s nothing wrong with running it all day because it’s doing its job.
“As long as it’s cooling ... that’s good,” Webb said.
E-mail Jessica Legge at jlegge@timeswv.com.

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