Cooling and Air Conditioning

Before adding central air conditioning (A/C) to your home, consider other options.

• Reduce the need for cooling
  • shading (most effective if it's exterior shading);
  • "solar-control" windows;
  • solar screens;
  • window films
  • insulation;
  • air sealing; and
  • efficient lighting and appliances.
• Improve comfort
  • move activities outdoors;
  • open windows at night and close them during the day; and
  • turn off lighting and appliances when not needed.
• Consider less expensive cooling equipment
  • ceiling fans;
  • exhaust fans;
  • whole-house fans; and
  • evaporative cooling.

Read Alternative Home Cooling Methods (PDF 1.2MB) for more information.

Installing A/C

If you decide to install A/C:

1. Perform "load calculations" for your home.
   Be sure your contractor correctly calculates the size of the unit you need, based on the specific characteristics of your home and the local climate. Read Bigger is Not Better for more information.
2. Buy an efficient A/C unit.
   In 2006, the federal minimum standard for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) increased to 13. Higher-efficiency units are available from most manufacturers.
3. Buy an A/C unit with a TXV.
   A "thermal expansion valve" (TXV) varies the cooling capacity of your A/C unit as the need for cooling changes. Most A/C units with SEER ratings of 13 or above include a TXV.
4. Test the unit after installation
   Untested A/C units can mean important problems aren't identified or fixed by the installing contractor. Be sure your contract includes a requirement for testing and adjustment. Get a copy of test results.

More information
For more information, call Fort Collins Utilities at (970) 221-6700, TDD (970) 224-6003 or