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.

 

Room Air Conditioners: a hot way to keep cool and cut energy costs

The hot, humid weather of summer is about to meet Americans’ continuing desire to cut costs this cooling season. Room air conditioners are a practical way to cool down when temperatures heat up, especially if you want to save money by only cooling the rooms you use the most.

New room air conditioners are significantly more energy efficient and now offer a variety of features, including varying fan speeds, remote controls, timers and different types of filters. The average room air conditioner manufactured in 2008 also use 23 percent less energy than units made in 1990. ENERGY STAR units can save you even more.
 
Before going to the store to purchase a new unit, consumers should visit www.cooloff.org to search through a list of models that are AHAM certified. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) tests and certifies room air conditioners in an independent lab to verify that the product performs according to the manufacturers’ claims.

To get the maximum benefit from a room air conditioner, consider two important factors -- cooling capacity and efficiency. Many people size air conditioners incorrectly, purchasing an air conditioner with more cooling capacity than needed.

More is not necessarily better. A unit with too much capacity may cool a room so quickly that it won't run long enough to lower humidity. This results in a cold, clammy feeling caused by chilly, humid air. More importantly, you will be wasting energy and lots of money.

Cooloff.org also offers a cooling calculator for consumers to determine the proper cooling capacity for their room.  This calculator, along with other useful information about room air conditioners, can be found on www.CoolOff.org. The Web site will take you through a series of questions, before recommending models that fit your needs.

Once you know what size unit you need, consider its operating efficiency. The higher the energy efficiency ratio, or EER, the more efficient the model. When shopping, you'll also want to look for the "AHAM-certified" seal. Models certified through AHAM's program have been tested and their performance verified by an independent laboratory, assuring consumers that the product will perform according to the manufacturer's product claims for BTU's per hour, amps and efficiency.

Once you have the perfect air conditioner for your home size, you'll want to keep it running smoothly. Here are some maintenance tips from the AHAM:

* Turn off the unit and open doors and windows during cooler periods.
* Use the unit fan and portable fans to draw in cooler outside air and increase circulation.
* Use a higher (warmer) thermostat setting during peak periods or when the area is unoccupied. A 75 to 80 degree setting will cut power consumption by 15 percent.
* Don't let heat build up all day and then try to cool areas quickly by turning the controls to maximum settings.
* Draw the shade or window blinds to reduce solar and outdoor heat.
* Regularly change or clean filters and check air flow for blockage or frost on evaporator coil.

 

                                      

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!