Cooling Measures

1. Unoccupied Temperature Cooling Set Forward
   Many companies will ask that the last employee to leave the building turns off the air conditioning. This practice does save energy but does not ensure that the procedure is always followed. And if it is followed, there will be times in the morning when the building is too warm. Installing a programmed thermostat or a time clock helps ensure regular temperature modifications and early morning comfort.

   Savings from the installation of programmable thermostats is dependent on the number of hours the temperature can be set forward and the set-back temperature. Therefore, the more hours per week the temperature can be set forward, the greater the savings.

   Also, many of these thermostats have the ability to estimate the necessary cool-down time to help ensure that the space is cooled to the proper temperature when desired. This feature saves additional energy, since it will adjust the cool-down time as the seasons/weather change.

   Since programmable thermostats come in a variety of types, depending on the existing cooling system, you should consult your air conditioning service company to ensure proper thermostat type and installation.



2. Installation of "Free Cooling"
   Installing an economizer on rooftop air handling units (RTAHU) enables "free cooling" and is a quick payback measure worth considering. Controls can be installed in most RTAHU's and other larger units that will increase the amount of outside air automatically when outside conditions are favorable.

   Large air conditioning units that do provide a mixture of outside and return air and operate many hours are good candidates for free cooling.



3. Buy Efficient Equipment
   In most cases, the large capital expense required makes replacing major cooling equipment for energy savings uneconomical. On the other hand, if the equipment must be replaced anyway, it is usually cost-effective to install the energy-efficient model. Air conditioning equipment is rated with one of two seasonal ratings: window air conditioners are rated using the energy-efficiency ratio (EER), and other package units are rated using the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER). The more efficient window units have an EER of 10 to 12, and the more efficient package units have SEERs of 11 to 16.