By the Numbers: Shipments of air conditioners and major appliances decline in June

29.2 percent

Year-over-year percentage decline in shipments of major appliances for June 2009, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Vendors shipped about 5.7 million units in June 2009, down from 8 million units a year earlier. Air conditioners were especially hard hit, with annualized shipments sinking 60 percent. The cool, wet late spring/early summer hurt AC sales, but even where the mercury rose, many homeowners decided to forgo air conditioning to save on energy costs, according to this recent article in The New York Times.

If you’re not willing to sweat it out all summer, the slumping shipment figures could mean even deeper discounts on air conditioners, and you might find it easier to hire a top contractor to install a central-air system.

Read the special report on cooling in the July 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, and check out the free buyer’s guide to air conditioners (ratings and central-air brand-reliability information available to subscribers).—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Weekend Project: Tune up your air conditioning

If you haven't done it already, now's the time to get your air conditioning tuned up and installed for summer. Use these tips from Consumer Reports and RepairClinic.com to ensure peak air-conditioning performance when the mercury rises. And if you're in the market for new air conditioning, read "Financial Incentives Could Make Air Conditioners a Hot Buy."

Window, Portable, and Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
Clean or replace filter(s). Remove the filter(s) and vacuum off debris. You can wash a dirty filter in warm, soapy water; be sure it's completely dry before you reinstall it. (Some filters are washable but check the user manual for care recommendations.) If a filter is damaged or deteriorated, replace it. (Take an old one with you to the store to ensure you buy the right model and size.) If you can't find the specific replacement filter you need, buy filter material and cut it to fit. Clean the filter once a month during cooling season.

Vacuum the coils. Vacuum any debris from the indoor and outdoor coils with an upholstery-brush attachment before you install a room air conditioner. Take care not to damage or deform the soft fins. Specially designed fin combs work much better than screwdrivers at straightening out bent fins.

Then remove the unit's cover and use soft brush or a can of compressed air to remove dirt from the inside of the coils and the bottom of the air conditioner.

Install and seal the unit(s). Air conditioners installed in a shady spot could run up to 10 percent more efficiently, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Seal the perimeter of the installed unit with new weather stripping, if needed. Also, secure the unit so that a burglar can't push it in and, more important,  so that it can’t fall out of the window and injure someone.

Avoid "short cycling." Wait 10 minutes after shutting off the unit to restart it. This allows the pressure in the refrigeration system to equalize and will prolong the life of your air conditioner.

Central Air Conditioning
Call in a pro. Have a licensed professional perform key maintenance tasks, including changing all filters, cleaning and flushing the coils, draining the pan and drainage system, and vacuuming the blower compartments. The contractor should also check that the system is properly charged with refrigerant, that there are no leaks, and that all mechanical components are working properly. As with a room air conditioner, replace disposable filters regularly. Check them monthly and replace if dust and debris have completely coated the filter.

Insulate ductwork. Ensure that ducts throughout the system are sealed and insulated—up to 30 to 40 percent of your cooling energy can be lost through leaks or heat when uninsulated ducts pass through uncooled spaces like attics and garages.

Perform seasonal checks. During the season, keep vegetation at least two feet away from the unit. Clean the grills and filter(s) monthly and replace the latter as needed. Clear debris and dirt from condenser coils and check for blockages in the pipe that drains condensed water from the indoor unit.

Use a programmable thermostat. Proper use of a programmable thermostat can reduce your cooling costs by up to 20 percent. Also consider adding a ceiling fan, which will allow you to set your thermostat to a higher temperature. And find more ways to cut your cooling costs.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook Essential information:

Essential information: Our latest report on air conditioning (story and ratings available to subscribers) covers split-ductless systems and portable air conditioners and includes reliability information on brands of central air conditioning.

Buzzword: Cool Roof

What it means. Never heard of a "cool roof"? Abandon your visions of an overhyped hipster-filled rooftop bar or eatery in an edgy, funky neighborhood. A cool roof, simply put, is a roof designed to reflect sunlight. Since the roof stays cooler, less heat is transferred to the building below, resulting in a cooler building and energy and money savings.

Why the buzz? U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu recently made headlines when he was in London to attend a symposium on climate change. He said that painting all roofs white or light colors could help significantly reduce the amount of energy used to cool buildings.

But this idea is about not only the color of a roof but also its solar reflectance (SR) and thermal emittance (TE), which are rated on a scale of 0 to 1, with 1 being the most reflective or emissive. The Cool Roof Rating Council trade group says it rates products based on their initial values and after three years of weather exposure. The cool-roof concept is to use reflective coatings or materials. So a cool roof could be made of clay or concrete tiles or other materials suitable for a climate along with coatings in a range of colors that are designed to reflect the rays of the sun. The photo shows a home with MCA clay roof tiles in Riverside, California.

Cool roofs lower the surface temperature of a roof by up to 100*F, according to the California Energy Commission, which estimates that cool roofs can trim cooling costs by 20 percent on average in California. The CRRC estimates the average energy savings are 7 to 15 percent of cooling costs.

But the U.S. Department of Energy says that reflective roofs don't work in all situations, and the biggest benefits are reaped in hot, sunny climates where air conditioning is used frequently. Homes in shady spots or those with well-insulated attics might not see significant benefits. Cool roofs can also increase heating costs in the winter. To figure out how much energy you'll save, use the DOE's cool-roof calculator.

If you are considering a cool roof, find out whether the materials qualify for a federal tax credit and request a manufacturer's certification statement. You could receive a 30 percent tax credit (up to $1,500) for the material costs if the roof is installed this year or next. Also look online for rebates from utility companies.—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our June 2009 report on roofing and July 2009 report on air conditioning (available to subscribers), stay cool without sky-high energy bills, and read about ceiling fans.

Is there a link between central air conditioning and chronic disease? A new study hints at one

Think air conditioning, and you're likely to connect this modern amenity with the comfort it provides on scorching summer days. "The Relationship of Housing and Population Health: A 30-Year Retrospective Analysis," in the April 2009 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, makes a different connection, suggesting a link between central air conditioning and chronic disease. The study connects the dots between the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Census Bureau's American Housing Survey (AHS).

(Note: Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., on June 9 released "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes." Download a PDF of the call to action: Surgeon General Call to Action Healthy Homes 6-9-09.)

One key housing trend identified in the AHS is the increase in central air conditioning; in 2002, nearly 60 percent of U.S. households had a central-air-conditioning system, up from approximately 15 percent in 1972. In that same 30-year time period, the NHANES reveals how asthma rates more than doubled, from 3.4 percent to 7.8 percent, and the average body mass index climbed from 24.9 to 27.7; a BMI of 25 and above is considered overweight; 30 and above, obese. (See the charts, right and below.)

The study authors acknowledge that various risk factors contribute to weight gain and respiratory problems as well as other health issues, but they make a good case that air conditioning and heating are at least partially to blame. For one thing, there's the lifestyle impact. "The increase in central air conditioning and its associated improved thermal comfort could provide an incentive for people to remain indoors and thus exercise less and/or to exert less energy through lower metabolic rates," they wrote.

As for indoor-air quality, the authors contend that central-air systems "increase air velocities and resuspension of particulate matter" and reduce fresh-air introduction, since "windows that would otherwise be open in the warm months are more likely to be kept closed in the presence of central air conditioning." They also observe that air conditioning and closed windows can help reduce pollen and dust mite-inducing humidity in some environments.

Any broad-stroke study such as this one will have its caveats and counterarguments. The study's authors point out that television and junk food also contribute to changes in health. But this analysis takes the discussion of housing and health relationships beyond lead-based paint and other familiar hazards, especially as they relate to disadvantaged groups. Do the study's findings mean you should jettison your air conditioning? Probably not. But they're a good reminder that you should:

Maintain your forced-air system. If you have central air, change the system filter when it's dirty, maybe about once a month or so, to prevent dust from accumulating on the evaporator fins and being dispersed throughout the house. If your home has window air conditioners, clean the filters once a month. And during heating season, replace furnace air filters monthly.

Ventilate adequately. Exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area are best at expelling combustion gases, odors, and excessive moisture, which can breed mold and other allergens. In a temperate climate, turning off the AC and opening the windows on cool days can also help ventilate, provided there's not a pollution or pollen advisory in effect. Install a whole-house fan to expel hot indoor air and bring in fresh, cooler outdoor air when the weather is mild.

Exercise regularly. Good cardiovascular health not only keeps weight down but can also help prevent several chronic diseases, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes. During summer months, limit outdoor activity to before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Review these additional tips for staying safe in the sun and read our latest report on sunscreens (available to subscribers).—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Read our latest report on air conditioning and cooling your home (available to subscribers), which includes ratings of 29 window air conditioners and brand reliability of 11 central-air-conditioner manufacturers. And learn more about air purifiers and indoor air.

By the Numbers: Energy-related carbon-dioxide emissions declined in 2008

5.802 billion

Metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions from fossil fuels generated in this country in 2008, down from 5.967 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2007, according to new preliminary estimates from the Energy Information Administration. The 2.8 percent decline is the largest the EIA has measured since it has tracked CO₂ emissions. It's worth noting that even with this decline, since 1990, total U.S. energy-related CO₂ emissions have climbed by 15.9 percent.

The recession has been a major factor in the emissions reduction, as economic activity in this country has fallen off and demand for oil slackened. (Oil-related emissions slid by 6 percent year over year.)

Residential CO₂ emissions fell by 1.1 percent in 2008. Even though heating degree-days rose by 5.6 percent last year, the summer was cooler than in 2007, resulting in a cooling-degree-days drop of 8.7 percent.

Want to keep limit your own energy use? Check out our buyer's guide to air conditioning, use our calculator to determine how big an air conditioner you need, learn how to keep your cooling costs down this summer,  and read up on ceiling fans, portable air conditioners, and split-ductless AC systems.

Cyber Monday deals at Home Depot

Home Depot’s Cyber Monday specials are heavy on power tools, gas grills, and ceiling fans, products we’ve tested extensively over the past year.

The Ryobi One+ 18-volt cordless-tool kit, which includes a drill, circular and reciprocating saws, a work light, and a free additional tool of your choice, is one of Home Depot's offers. Before you buy this $159 kit, refer to our November 2008 report on cordless drills and tool kits (ratings of cordless drills and tool kits are available to subscribers). The smarter move might be to opt for the drill alone—or pick another higher-rated drill or complete tool kit that doesn't use lithium-ion batteries.

A number of high-quality gas grills are among Home Depot's deals; with more Americans grilling year-round, it doesn't seem odd to see grills on sale out of traditional outdoor-cooking season. Our latest report on gas grills covered several models sold at Home Depot. Watch our video buying guide (right) for more information on gas grills.

Ceiling fans might seem an odd choice for a holiday gift, though some folks feel that reversing the direction of the fan blades can make for more efficient heating during late fall/winter. However, while buying the right ceiling fan can help cut you summer cooling costs, we found that reversing fan direction can cause drafts that will have you raise the thermostat and, as a result, boost your utility bill.

Essential Information: Before you dive into your holiday shopping, read about the best appliance retailers.

Tip of the Day: Clean your ceiling fans

My approach to housekeeping is akin to the “If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a noise?” conundrum: I don’t mind the weekly ritual of cleaning my house, but I do cut corners where I can—if I can’t see the grime, then it doesn’t count.

I’ve often taken this tack when with ceiling fans. From below, I usually don’t notice the dust and grime on my fans. But when I recently climbed a stepladder for a closer look at the one in my bedroom it was clear I had to clean the fan. The dust and grime weren’t overwhelming—yet. So I decided to tackle this simple task before it could turn into a messy ordeal.

When you’re cleaning your ceiling fans, first find out what steps the manufacturer recommends, and then consider our experts’ suggestions below. Remember, clean a fan only after you’ve turned it off and the blades have come to a full stop. And cover the floor (and furniture) beneath the fan with a drop cloth. If the blades are lightweight, handle them with care.

• Use a long-handled, ceiling-fan duster to remove dust. (These special round brushes are sold at hardware stores and home centers.) The blade fits in the inner part of the duster and will clean both sides of the blade at the same time.

• If your fan is equipped with a light, gently dust the fixture (and the bulb, if it’s exposed) with a soft cloth.

• To remove accumulated grime, wash the blades and fan housing with a damp cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner or dipped in a solution of water and mild detergent. (Learn how to make your own household cleaners.)

• Then wipe the blades with a cloth dampened with water to remove detergent residue.

• Finally, dry the blades thoroughly— dampness attracts dust.

Be careful when you’re reaching up to clean the blades if you don’t have a brush. If you need to buy a ladder for this and other household chores, see our review of ladders.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our latest report on ceiling fans to choose the right models for your home. And learn how to stay cool without running up your utility bills. Use our Home Improvement Guide interactive to take a room-by-room tour of the top-rated appliances and most cost-effective improvements you can make to your home.

Tip of the Day: Dehumidifiers can keep your home comfortable and prevent mold and mildew

Deploying a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home is an easy way to not only boost your comfort but also to prevent a number of problems, including sickness, mold and mildew growth, and damage to your home and its furnishings.

My own “FOBFU”—find out by fouling up—lesson illustrates why it’s smart to use a dehumidifier. I stored a bunch of camping equipment in my basement, which tended to be very humid. When I went to retrieve a sleeping bag for a camping trip, I found it ruined by the damp environment. I immediately went online to read our recent report on dehumidifiers. It turns out you can get a capable model for about $140 dollars—and perhaps even less if you combine it with a rebate or tax credit by buying an energy-efficient version.

Most dehumidifiers have features such as a built-in timer, which can be useful in some situations, and a hose-attachment point to drain the water, eliminating your having to empty a reservoir. One model even comes with a pump and plastic tubing that sends the collected water out a window or up to a slop sink or other high drain. Other factors to consider when buying a dehumidifier include energy use, noise, performance in brownout conditions, and the ability to automatically restart after a power blackout.

I’ve learned my lesson. My new dehumidifier is now humming away down the basement, keeping my camping gear in good shape.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Learn how to alleviate other basement-moisture problems. To keep the rest of your home comfortable this summer, read “How to Keep Your Cool” and our latest reports on room air conditioners and ceiling fans.

Q&A: Which direction should the blades on my ceiling fan rotate?

My ceiling fan has a switch that reverses the direction the blades rotate. How do I know which direction to run the fan during warm- and cold-weather months?

During warm weather, you should run the fan so that the breeze blows downward. This wind-chill effect—the same cool breeze you feel when you roll down the window in a moving car—will cool you.

Many ceiling-fan manufacturers and various Web sites out there suggest that you run the ceiling fan so that it blows in the opposite direction—upward—when the weather is cold and the heat is on in your home. The idea is that the fan mixes the warm air collecting at the ceiling and moves it back down to the perimeter of room, creating a higher average room temperature and less need for heat. (All of the ceiling fans we recently tested have a switch that you flip to reverse the motion of the blade.)

 

But in our past tests, we found that the draft caused by the fan can have a chilling effect on people in a room—and lead to higher thermostat settings and more energy use. So we recommend that you not bother to reverse the motion of your fan—just leave it off during heating season. Note that there might be some situations where reverse operation would be be beneficial, such as in a room with a wood stove running or a very high vaulted ceiling.

If you’re looking to lower your energy bills during cooling season, use ceiling fans and turn off your air conditioning or turn up the temperature on your A/C a few degrees and let the fan go to work. Remember that ceiling fans cool you and not the space you’re in, so turn them off when you leave the room for an extended time so as to not waste electricity.

When shopping for a ceiling fan, you’ll find old-style models that conjure memories of Bogart and Bergman in Casablanca and versions that are modern twists on an invention that first appeared in the U.S. in the 1860s. In our latest report on ceiling fans, we found that while the pricier fans did have fancier finishes, they didn’t necessarily provide better performance. What’s more, most fans performed similarly in our air-movement tests.

Essential information: See our advice on staying cool this summer without cranking up the A/C, and share your tips for keeping comfortable, in our forums.

Vintage Consumer Reports: Ceiling Fans

With ceiling fans, “you can go from breeze to bluster to benign zephyr,” we wrote in our July 1982 report on summer cooling. “Even the most profligate model,” we noted, “would cost only pennies a day to run.”

Ceiling fans haven’t changed much over the past 26 years. (The top fan shown is from 1982; the bottom one, from our July 2008 story on ceiling fans.) Although they cost slightly more to run today than they did during the early part of the Reagan era, ceiling fans can decrease energy consumption and save you money, but only if you use your air conditioner less or set it to a warmer temperature and rely on the cooling breeze from the fan. (See our latest report on and review of air conditioners, and learn more ways to keep cool this summer.)

“A ceiling fan can conjure up an exotic feeling even in a raised ranch in the suburbs,” we wrote in the 1982 article. If a virtual experience isn’t enough, you can put the money you’ve saved toward a real getaway. Read our Ratings-based reports on airlines and hotels.