6 Tips for Environmentally Friendly Air Conditioner Storage

Austin, TX, October 20, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Beating the heat during the dog days of summer can be an expensive business. While there is no real end in sight to rising energy costs, steps can be taken to ensure that related comfort expenses stay at a minimum for you and your family. Authorities agree that regular maintenance and proper storage of your portable air conditioner will prolong its efficiency and life, reducing the frequency with which it will have to be replaced.

There are several important benefits to be gained from properly storing your air conditioner and implementing preventive maintenance. Not only will your air conditioner’s life be extended but you will also see lower energy bills and you’ll be helping the environment by reducing your CO2 emissions. Combined, these six tips will help promote longevity, efficiency and family safety.

- Store your AC unit well before the first frost. Trapped water could freeze and damage your air conditioner’s internal components.
- Remove and clean, or replace the air filter. If the filter is the permanent type, it can be washed with a mild detergent and reused.
- Check the drain opening for blockage and drain any excess water in the portable air conditioner. Sometimes, mold or minerals build up and block the drain reducing the unit’s effectiveness.
- Check and clean the motor fan and compressor by blowing out the dust with an air hose. Check the compressor fittings for leaks using liquid soap or refrigerant leak detector.
- Lubricate the fan and motor with standard off the shelf motor oil.
- Store ac unit in a dry basement or attic, not on a garage floor, where it could come into contact with corrosive de-icing salts that can drip off of a car's tires.  You can store the portable air conditioner in a closet or storage room – just make sure you followed the prior steps before doing so.

Two-thirds of all homes in the United States have air conditioners which use about 5% of all the electricity produced in the country - over $11 billion dollars each year. In most cases, fossil fuels must be burned in order to produce electricity and when fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Air conditioners release roughly 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year—an average of about two tons for each home with an air conditioner. This number can vary based on the health of your air conditioner. Units that are well maintained and stored properly will run more efficiently. This will ultimately lower your electricity bill and your CO2 emissions.

If you’d like to see reviews and other testimonials before purchasing your next AC, Air Conditioners America carries a wide selection of energy saving portable room and window air conditioner units. They also make it easy for you to purchase air conditioners via their world-class e-commerce web site. Their shopping consultants can help you make the best decisions for your home and your needs. For easy to find products, detailed product information and a simple checkout process, visit:
http://www.air-conditioners-america.com

###