The Urban Green Council on Thursday released a report titled “There Are Holes in Our City’s Wall” which estimates that inefficiencies in window air-conditioning units in New York City account for some 375,000-525,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. In addition to the increased emissions, urban dwellers trying to condition their spaces with window units are literally throwing their hard-earned cash out the window.
The report is based on the work of Steven Winter Associates who tested the three most common types of window units used in the city. At each test site, engineers found that units were poorly fitted and had gaps that equaled a hole 2-3 inches in diameter which is like punching a hole through your living room wall.
In Philadelphia, where architecture is old and renters abound, window units are common. Here, like in New York, it helps to purchase units that will fit snugly in your existing windows rather than a cheaper alternative that relies on flimsy accordions (or cardboard and duct tape) to fill the gaps between the unit and the window frame. A well-fitting unit that increases efficiency will fast pay for itself.
Knowing how your home is oriented in relation to the outdoor elements is also important. Installing window treatments and using the sun to your advantage (let it shine in during the winter months and block it out in summer) will help regulate utility bills as will opening the windows to take advantage of cooler morning and nighttime breezes. Installing floor coverings will further insulate your space and regulate temperatures.
If you have central air—you lucky dog, you—utilize your thermostats automatic settings. You’ll get better temperature and cost results this way than by trying to cool a room that’s already hot. (The same holds true for heat.) Central air users willing to sacrifice a degree or two during the peaks of summer electric use, may also take advantage of PECO’s Smart Ideas rebate. Customers enrolled in the program stand to save$120 on their electric bills.
For more information on conservation and insulation, contact the Energy Coordinating Agency.
