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m&k PAGE 17 - PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25.1980 TEXAS-SIZED BOOTS on a pint-sized cowpoke may look'm pressive, but they're impractical for anything else. The same is true for air conditioning, according to the General Electric Company: bigger is not always better. An air conditioner, the company explains, must control both temperature and humid­ ity for proper comfort, and an air conditioner dehumidifies only while it's cooling. An oversized unit may cool a space too quickly for proper dehumidification, and you could end up with a "clammy" room. A smaller capacity unit will operate a larger percentage of the time and control humidity more evenly, resulting in a mqre comfortable room. 'High-efficiency' for lower cost cooling With higher electric costs be­ coming as inevitable as death and taxes* lots of homeowners will be searching this summer for ways to cool their homes at the lowest tost. In the search for energy- saving options, high-efficiency air conditioning units will be looking better and better despite higher-initial costs. But General Electric, one of the world's largest manufactur­ ers of rOom air conditioners, suggests that smart shoppers can combine higher efficiency with lower cooling capacities to op­ timize their room air conditioner buy. What is "high-efficiency?" High-efficiency air con- • ditioners are those that remove at least 7.5 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat for each watt of electricity used. Effi­ ciency is expressed in an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the number, the more efficient the air con­ ditioner. An EER of 7.5 is con­ sidered "high-efficiency" but EERs can go much higher. Gen­ eral Electric has a unit, for example, with an EER of 10.6. How are high-efficiency units different? High-efficiency units usually have more coils (heat transfer surface) as well as larger, more efficient motors and related components than do models with "standard" efficiencies. Because of the larger and more expensive components, high-efficiency units usually cost more to make and therefore more to buy than standard units. However, General Electric experts say that if consumers . can overcome their natural ten­ dency to buy a larger air con­ ditioner than they really need, the price difference can be minimized. Why buy smaller? Proper sizing of a room air conditioner is very important, General Electric says. It is better to buy a model that tends to the side 6f having less cooling capacity than having too much, the company recommends. The reason is" simple. Com­ fort depends on controlling both temperature and humidity. Air conditioners dehumidify only when the compressor is opera­ ting. An air conditioner with too much cooling capacity will cool an area quickly and then cycle off -- before it teally has an opportunity to properly control humidity. A conservatively-sized model on the other hand, will operate a larger percentage of the time, controlling both temp­ erature and humidity. How do you get the right size? To help assure the best "fit" of room air conditioner to room size, Genera] Electric suggests the following:' • Measure very carefully the area you want to cool. • Take the measurements to a knowledgeable dealer. He will probably give you a range of cooling capacities from which to choose. Look to the lower end of that cooling range and choose conservatively. Since air conditioners tend to be priced on the basis of capa- city, chances are--all else being equal--that a model with less cooling capacity will cost less to purchase than a larger one. And it may cost lessto op­ erate, too. However, if consumers still want to cut down on future operating costs, they can then look for a model in the lower cooling capacity range with a higher efficiency rating. summer, swimming pool safe Whether you own a swim­ ming pool or hope to build one some day, knowing the rules of swimming pool safety may make a vital difference to you and your family. Safe swimming practices are important, but so is pool maintenance: adding the chemi­ cals and cleaning the filters that keep the water clear and germ- free, and repairing damaged equipment before it becomes hazardous. With safety in mind These protective pointers from Johns-Manville, producer of Aqua-Cel* diatomite swim­ ming pool filter aids, may help safeguard your summer fun: • Arrange for an aduit to be present whenever the children are in for a swim. In the case of neighborhood kids, make an in­ formal rule that no small chil­ dren will be allowed unless ac­ companied by an adult. • Be sure that swimmers stay out of the pool for at least an hour after meals. • Have a life preserver handy--an inflated inner tube is fine. • Fence in the pool to protect wandering tots--and possibly save you from negligence charges. Keep the gate closed whenever the pool is not in use. Some communities require such a fence. Check the regulations for your area. • Install electric lights in the pool area to make night swim­ ming safer and help prevent falls into the pool. • Run filters so that pool water is completely filtered every 18-24 hours. • Clean filters in accordance to manufacturer's recommenda­ tions. The interval between cleanings can be lengthened by proper care of pool: frequent vacuuming and skimming (either by hand or with automa­ tic skimmer). Clogging of diatomite filters--the type used "in most pools--can be prevented by .proper precoating with diato­ mite filter aid. • Keep water well chlori­ nated to fight the growth of algae and bacteria. • After the season, check valves, pipes and other equip­ ment for damage that needs re­ pairing. Moving parts should be oiled, and all exposed metal given a light coat of grease or oil to prevent rust. Annual check-up At least once a year, prefera­ bly in the spring, drain the pool and check pool walls and floors for cracks and other damage. • Pay special attention to cleaning filter-equipment after the swimming season; dirt left to harden during the winter months is very hard to remove after­ wards -- and provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and algae. • During the off-season, cover the pool with a plastic or canvas top strong enough to support the weight of a person who might fall or step onto it. If the cover is removed for ice ' 3 skating, be sure to replace it dur- ing-warm spells to prevent acci­ dents. • Cut off main switches to electrically powered equipment and remove fuses after the .swimming season to prevent ac­ cidental starting or storm dam­ age. JUNE 26,27,28 IN STOCK -- ROLLER SKATES 25% OFF HUGE SELECTION •All in stock warm-up suits •All Cobra shoes * BARGAIN TABLE BIG SAVINGS ON ASSORTED SHOES AND MANY OTHER ITEMS •ALL SPEEDQ SWIMWEAR 20% OFF GOLF BAGS, SHOES & CLUBS 30 TO 70% OFF LADIES SPORTSWEAR O OFF By Racquettes, Speedoand Athletes Choice Located on Green Street in Downtown McHenry McHENRY'S FAVORITE SPORT CENTER 1210 N. Green St. McHenry 385-1000 HOURS M0H-THURS. 9&30, FRL 9430, SAT. 1530, SUN. Moot