Does your house have air conditioning? If so, it is among the 2/3 of United States homes that possess this welcome feature.
Some Historical Facts on Air Cooling Systems
Were you aware that the first air conditioner was invented for use in the publishing industry?In 1902, Willis Carrier invented it as a means to keep his paper from expanding and ink from running while working at a publishing company.
By 1929, the Oval Office had its first air conditioner installed. Herbert Hoover was the first United States president to enjoy cool air while conducting business within his office just a few months after the stock market crashed. If you’re curious how much he spent, you may be surprised: $30,000.
During the 19402, in-window air-conditioning units were available for homes. However, they cost around $350.00 each, which is the equivalent of spending $3,500 today. Needless to say, not every family in America could afford to have an air-conditioned home.
it’s interesting to note that only 68% of all housing units had air conditioning as of 1993. While this number has increased over the past decades, it’s amazing to consider how many housing units and homes didn’t have the ability to control their interior temperature.
How Efficient is Your Home’s Cooling System?
If your cooling system isn’t working optimally, it may not be properly installed. When this is the case for both your heating and cooling systems, efficiency can be reduced up to 30%.
While you may be aware that you can lose heat when your attic isn’t properly insulated, did you also know that you can lose cool air? Ensuring that your attic is well-insulated can reduce energy waste when operating your air conditioner during warm months and your heating unit during cold months.
The Cost of Maintaining a Comfortable Home Environment
What percentage of your income do you spend on heating and cooling your home? The average household tends to spend around 2.7% of their income, which amounts to around $2,000 a year. While the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that heating and air conditioning can account for 43% of your utility bill, chances are that it usually amounts to over 50% of your home’s energy consumption.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Regular Maintenance
How long have you had your air conditioning unit? When properly maintained, they usually last for 10 to 15 years. If you have an older unit, you may want to have it replaced with a new high-efficiency model.
Whether you have an older unit or a newer model, you want to have regular preventative maintenance. It’s a good idea to speak with a local residential HVAC company about a service contract, too. These contracts tend to average between $70.00 and $100.00, and are worth every penny.
Not only will these contractors clean and service your air conditioner, they will also replace the filter. In case you weren’t aware, when air filters become clogged, dust, allergens, and other debris will escape into your home’s air supply.
When the weather is really hot and your system breaks down, it’s important to know that emergency residential AC repair services are readily available. Since you want to be comfortable in your home year-round, it may be time to replace your old unit with an high-efficiency Energy Star system.