| "I just don't understand them! Everyday I'm telling | | | | - Clean the filters and coils once a month. If air is |
| the boys, 'Turn off the a/c when you leave the | | | | blocked with dust that gets collected, the unit |
| room.' They just don't listen! Last month our bill | | | | can't breathe. This makes it work harder. Here's a |
| was almost $300!" She threw her hands up in | | | | helpful reminder: whenever the electric bill comes |
| complete exasperation. | | | | make that the day to clean or change your filters |
| Unfortunately, this is one of the most common | | | | and spray the coils. |
| complaints. Kids want to do the right thing, but | | | | - The best air conditioners are those that fit your |
| without an understanding of why this so | | | | room. A unit that's too small for the area will |
| important, it will not be the first thing that pops in | | | | work too hard, never feel cool enough, and will |
| their minds. | | | | skyrocket your electric bill! |
| I live in Thailand where air conditioners are as | | | | - Consider Energy-Star rated units. A 5-rating is |
| necessary as bottled water. Here we have 360 | | | | the most energy-efficient. |
| days of hot, sticky weather and we are truly | | | | - So, how to get the kids to help? Get them |
| grateful to the Cooling Gods. | | | | involved. Have them check out global warming |
| However, as the days get hotter, more people | | | | and its effects to their planet. Make it a family |
| are demanding comfort. The CFCs from air | | | | project and support their ideas. Let them know |
| conditioners are pollutants that destroy the ozone | | | | they can be action heroes whenever they take |
| molecules. This thins the ozone layer allowing | | | | small steps to create a better world. |
| more ultraviolet (UV) rays to enter our | | | | I'm very lucky to teach high school science in |
| atmosphere. This is what causes global warming. | | | | Bangkok. I assigned a project for their final grade: |
| This extra heat creates more demand for a/c! | | | | research and create Power Point presentations |
| Now, I'm not suggesting throwing out your air | | | | about global warming. |
| conditioners or making them illegal and banning | | | | One day, while working in my office, two of my |
| them from Earth forever...well...No, but there are a | | | | students came in to chat. One student reminded |
| few things you and your family can do to help | | | | me that if I keep the curtains closed it will keep |
| save the world and teach kids how to save | | | | the sun out and then I wouldn't need to use so |
| money on electric. | | | | much air conditioning. They quickly closed the |
| - Compliment your cooling needs with ceiling fans | | | | curtains, changed the a/c temperature and bowed |
| and/or floor fans. This will distribute and help | | | | with respect as they left. All I could do is smile. |
| circulate the cooler air more efficiently. | | | | |