The Tribune

By JOSHUA KEY

SuperGreen Solutions

We find ourselves in the same situation every year. Winter is nearly here, but it still feels like 90 degrees outside. Even with the ‘cooler’ temperatures, many homes continue to run their air conditioning (AC) every night, and most businesses have no choice but to run their AC all day. Hot or not, we run the air conditioning through the winter every year.

But this year can be different for you. There are green solutions for letting you save money with your current air conditioner. That way you can stop sweating because of the heat, and stop sweating because of the electric bill.

One of the most elegant solutions is to add a retrofit, like a Smartcool, to your current AC unit. Smartcool retrofits already save an average 15-25 per cent on air conditioning energy costs in Bahamian homes and businesses.

How does a retrofit do this? The principle is simple: As an air conditioner cycles, sometimes it asks for more power than it needs to get the job done. Since your AC unit does not recognise this, the retrofit technology automatically steps in and lets your unit run at its most efficient. This saves you money while maintaining the cool temperature you want.

In addition to retrofitting your AC unit, Bahamians can take other steps to lower costs:

• When you turn off the air conditioner 15-30 minutes before you are ready to leave your home or business, the room will stay cool and you will save money. Over the course of a month, that can save you 15 hours of power.

• Installing a solar attic vent is an easy, affordable solution that Bahamians are turning to. This uses the sun for free to cool your home for decades. With a cooler home, the AC unit has less work to do, saving you money no matter what time of year it is.

• Checking your walls and windows for leaks will ensure your AC unit is not fighting the full force of the Bahamian sun. Leaks can be stopped with a good sealant or IndowWindow.

• In the rooms that you are cooling, be diligent to keep windows and doors shut whenever they are not being used. Simple steps such as these can save a tremendous amount on the electric bill.

We find ourselves in the same situation every year. Without air-conditioning, you will sweat. With it, you may still sweat over the bill you will have to pay. This winter, why not do something different? Small steps such retrofitting your current air conditioner can save you money while keeping you from sweating. These affordable solutions make the Bahamas greener and put green in your pocket. Who knows? Maybe with a lower electric bill, you will have more green to spend on the holidays.

• NB: Joshua Key is general manager for SuperGreen Solutions Bahamas, located on Wulf Road next to FYP. SuperGreen Solutions is an advisor, supplier and installer of domestic and commercial energy efficient solutions.