Large strides have been made in air conditioner efficiency in recent years. As a result, many homeowners replace their old air conditioning system not just for a more comfortable home environment and quieter operation, but to reduce their electricity bills.

Air conditioner efficiency is rated by the unit's seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. The higher the number the greater the efficiency and the less it costs to operate the system.

In Canada, central air conditioners are covered by the federal government's energy efficiency regulations, which came into effect in 1995. The minimum allowable efficiency level is 13 SEER. Units with a rating of 14.5 or higher will have an Energy Star designation. Energy Star is an international symbol applied to equipment that achieves a premium level of energy efficiency. Some of today's central air conditioners are rated as high as 25 SEER.

There is another rating system that is sometimes used. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is a measure of how much cooling is provided for a given amount of electricity consumption. As with SEER, a higher number represents a more efficient the unit.

Some of today's air conditioners use high efficiency electronically commutated motors (ECM). They use substantially less electricity than older motors, and run much more quietly.

Your professional air conditioning contractor must carefully size the system to suit your home and ensure the different components in the system are designed to work together as a matched system

More information on finding qualified contractors is available from the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada online at www.hrai.ca or call 1-877-467-4724.

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Did you know that recently Statistics Canada reported that there are approximately 130,000 break-ins a year reported to police in Canada? However, some of these crimes remained unreported. Property crime losses ranged from little or nothing of value to materials costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, burglars can do much more than steal your possessions. They can commit rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or target a home that is occupied. In fact, home invaders will use an exorbitant amount of force and threats to gain control and instill fear.

Recent high-profile incidents of 'home invasion' have received significant exposure in the media, particularly those where the elderly have been targeted. Nearly three times as many victims in home invasions were elderly compared to other types of robberies. Home invaders also seem to make a point of hurting their vulnerable victims. The impact of home invasions extends beyond the violence of the crime itself to a long-term loss of the victim's sense of safety at home.

“If you have been a victim of a burglary, chances are that you will be vulnerable to a burglary a second time,” explained Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Reliance Protectron Security Services. “The burglar will know how easy it was the first time they targeted your home. This experience will forever change your life. However, for a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim.”

According to De Luca, many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. That's why good locks and good neighbors who watch out for each other are big deterrents to burglars. De Luca also suggests these following tips:

• Thieves don't like bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.

• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it doesn't hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window.

• Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions.

• Do not open the door without question when your doorbell rings or someone's at the door.

• Use your peephole and if you don't have one get one installed.

• If you are not expecting a delivery or service call do not answer the door.

• Home security systems can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins.

• Home security systems are effective deterrents when monitored 24-7 by ULC-listed monitoring centres. Nine out of ten convicted burglars agree they'd avoid a house protected by a security system.

• Home security system decals and yard signs are also an effective deterrent.

• Make sure your home security system includes a loud inside house alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas. More information on home security systems is available at www.protectron.com.

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