How Efficient is Your AC?

As the summer stays hot and we turn the dial to cool down the house, you might wonder, “How efficient and how effective is my air conditioner?” Fortunately the Department of Energy has developed a system to let you know just how efficient your air conditioner can be (under optimal conditions). The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is clearly marked on every new air conditioner or heat pump.
A higher SEER rating leads to a more energy efficient unit. The typical SEER rating of air conditioners made before 1992 was around 6.0. The federal government established a minimum standard for units in 1992, requiring a SEER of 10. Residential air conditioners sold in the United States as of 2006 must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified Central Air Conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14.
If your central air conditioning unit is more than a dozen years old (SEER 10), you should seriously consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model (SEER 14, 15 or 16) that would improve your cooling efficiency by 40%-60%.
Green Irene tells our customers that upgrading an older yet well-functioning air conditioner is generally not worthwhile because the energy savings do not justify the upgrade.  But when it’s time to upgrade, get the best air conditioner you can afford.  Air conditioner and heat pumps have an estimated life of 12 years, which can be lengthened through proper maintenance.  Nevertheless, for best pricing, you can buy 1) off-season; and 2) when you are NOT desperate because your existing air conditioner just broke!
Green Irene also recommends the Cool-n-Save for increased energy efficiency with your central AC unit. This simple device reduces the temperature surrounding your unit, allowing it to operate more efficiently and less often. This can result in an immediate savings of up to 30% on your cooling costs! Check out my website for even more ideas and products to save you money and the planet!  GreenIrene.com

Posted via email from greenasheville's posterous

Spirulina Magical Pond Scum!!

So not working full-time chained to a desk all day has a few upsides!! I am starting to lose a bit of weight! I have the time now to wake up and walk with a friend 3 miles in the morning and now that I am not rushing out the door like a wild woman I remember my vitamins, green tea supplements, fish oil, chromium picolinate and my favorite of all Spirulina!

I am not a huge fan of vegetables and spirulina is a superfood that helps fill in the gaps! Spirulina is a type of blue green algae. This algae in particular is unusually high in protein. It is rich in essential fatty acids plus it is a pure, whole food source of B-Complex vitamins. B vitimins are the ones repsonsible for improving your hair, nails and also your sense of well being. It is especially important for folks under a lot of stress!!! (me) An if that wasn't enough this tiny little bit of pond scum also contains calcium, chromium, copper, zinc selenium, magenese and magnesium! It is really a power house! A recent study even suggested that it can help combat the symptoms of hay fever! I new I loved this ugly green supplement!!

My mom is actually responsible for introducing me to blue green algae back in the 80's! She had a friend that sold it and she used to give it my sister and I every morning. I never noticed much difference while taking it, however, if we happened to run out the effects were more obvious. I would feel a tiny drop in my energy level my sleep wasn't has good nor my dreams and I love to dream! Plus I felt a little more foggy headed! Not scientific by any means but just some small things I noticed! The company Sunfood Nutrition sells a really good form click this link to get your own Spirulina, Manna (Original Species)

If you do try it please come back and comment on what you thought, how you feel and what your opinion is on supplement in general. I really want to know!

Cheers!

Ecomama!

Posted via email from Gypsy