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AHAM Consumer Information

If you are considering buying an air cleaner, visit http://www.cadr.org/ Here you can learn about the Clean Air Delivery Rate, compare and search for models that are right for you.

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY AND ENERGY AROUND THE HOME

Looking for ways to save money? Look no further than your kitchen. Here are some simple energy savings tips for consumers looking to cut energy bills this summer.

The energy consumed by home appliances has dropped sharply since 2000. Refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers combined account for a 43% decrease in energy consumption since 2000. Replacing an eight year old refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer with new appliances of average efficiency will save consumers about $95.00 per year in energy bills. Replacing an eight year old clothes washer will save more than $60.00 in electricity costs and nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year. Additional savings can be obtained by purchasing Energy Star appliances.

Here are some more easy tips:

•   If you are replacing your refrigerator, do not use the old refrigerator as a second refrigerator. This will not yield energy savings. Properly recycle the appliance. To find recycling options in your area, call 1-800-YES-1-CAN.
•   Allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator; and always cover foods that may release moisture in the refrigerator.
•   Limit opening the refrigerator and freezer doors. Label foods or use clear food storage bags to easily identify foods.
•   Scrape, but do not pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Dishwashers do a great job of cleaning soiled dishes.
•   Take advantage of your dishwasher’s “eco” option that reduces water use, or use a no-heat air dry feature.
•   Use load size settings- if you are washing a small load of clothing, be sure to change the load setting. Use cold water settings whenever possible.
•   Always clean the lint filter on the clothes dryer after each use. A clogged filter will reduce dryer performance.

Take the 2 Degree Pledge!

Did you know that adjusting your air conditioner just 2 degrees can save you up to 10% on your energy bills? The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, along with AHAM and other partners, are encouraging you to take the 2 Degree Pledge and turn your air conditioner up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter. This will make a big difference in your energy bill and the environment!

Click on the link to sign the pledge and read more information on conserving energy in your home.

AHAM’S CERTIFIED ROOM AIR CONDITIONER AND DEHUMIDIFIER DIRECTORIES NOW SEARCHABLE ON COOLOFF.ORG

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) unveils a new consumer site http://www.cooloff.org/ featuring a simple three step process to help consumers select a proper room air conditioner by accurately determining cooling capacity; using the searchable Room Air Conditioners directory to find the units with certified performance ratings that match their criteria; and linking to manufacturers' web sites for additional feature and purchase related information.

AHAM products are certified based on verification of product performance. Room Air Conditioners are certified based on their cooling capacity expressed in BTU’s. Room Air Conditioner Manufacturers voluntarily participate in the AHAM certification program. AHAM uses an independent lab and a standardized test known as the AHAM/ANSI RAC-1, to test the actual cooling capacity of the unit. Products that are tested may then use an AHAM seal and be listed in the product directory.

The website offers consumers detailed information on proper cooling capacity, energy efficiency, installation requirements as well as efficiency use and maintenance tips. The units in the searchable directories can be sorted by the Brand name, Manufacturer, BTU (British Thermal Units), EER (energy efficiency ratio), or Voltage.

AHAM encourages consumers to “Beat the Heat” by visiting http://www.cooloff.org/ for cool information on how to select a room air conditioner. AHAM has designed this web site to help consumers select the right product for their home. Since 1967, AHAM has administered third party certification programs to test and verify the performance ratings of products such as room air conditioners, room air cleaners and dehumidifiers.

USE ENERGY STAR TO SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY!

The ENERGY STAR program was introduced by the US EPA in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products. Today, ENERGY STAR has partnered with thousands of organizations to promote energy efficient products including 31 home appliance manufacturers. The ENERGY STAR web site will help you locate thousands of home appliances that can help you save money and energy within your home.

Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing products for the most energy efficient choices.