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Anyone who's lived in Seattle for a few years knows that we don't expect summer to begin until after the 4th of July, and it can end as early as mid-September. That means that we have a long heating season that often lasts ten months. Because of the climate very few people have considered room air conditioners to be worth the expense and trouble until recently.
In recent years we have seen an increase in highrise apartment buildings. Apartments in these buildings that have windows that face south and southwest receive a lot of light and heat from the sun during the summer and can become uncomfortably hot. Residents in these dwellings have a greater temptation to install room air conditioners.
Seattle City Light hopes you will not be forced to use room air conditioners because August and September are normally two of the most difficult and expensive months for the utility to supply the electric demand. Here are some suggestions to try before deciding to install this appliance:
- Install a reflective film on your sunny windows. This changes the quality of the light coming through your windows.
- Install shades or blinds on your sunny windows. Light colors or reflective shades work best.
- Use the ventilation system in your apartment. Many new apartments have exhaust fans intended to serve the whole house but, in a pinch, you can use the bath fan as a substitute. Remember to pay attention to where the fresh air enters your home. If you have one, it's best to open a window on the shady side of the building.
If you must buy a room air conditioner, try to find the most energy efficient model and one that is correctly sized for the volume of the room you plan to cool.
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For more information from Seattle City Light on appliances, please e-mail rescons.scl@seattle.gov or call 206.684.3800.
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