Alert: Air Conditioning Awareness

Be honest. You’re a little curious about what Air Conditioning Awareness Month could possibly have to do with an Interactive Media Agency, even if it is located in New Orleans.

When the agency is Mudbug Media… plenty.

In case you haven’t already noticed, it’s really hot outside right now. Since we have officially entered the annual Air Conditioning Awareness Days, I thought it would be appropriate to focus on this essential bit of technology that we all depend on a bit more than is strictly necessary.

Beat the Heat

Although our nationwide and smaller out-of-state clients are sharing a bit of our outrageous summer heat this year, New Orleanians are a people deeply devoted to our air conditioning. Unfortunately, our high ceilings, hardwood floors, raised houses and ceiling fans can’t quite do it all to keep us cool without air conditioning.

Even before the Gulf oil spill reinvigorated the topic of energy conservation, monthly utilities had us talking about ways to chill out without too much of an increase in our carbon footprint or power bills.

Each year, Americans spend more than $22 billion on air conditioning alone, all in an effort to stay a little more comfortable at home or in the office.  While it may not be glamorous to be a little warm sitting on your sofa or at your desk, paying attention to air conditioning can save a lot of money and energy.

Green is Good

At Mudbug Media, we talk a lot about our community service, but are much quieter about our commitment to going as green as possible … which isn’t always easy.

Although we haven’t quite succeeded at going entirely paperless, we are as close as any office I’ve seen. We don’t have filing cabinets.  Important data is stored in our server room – and on backup servers off-site. The server room does have to stay cool, but each of us moderates our own office temperature.

You’d be surprised how many of us resist the standard temptation to refrigerate ourselves all day. Personally, I consider it a dual benefit – less energy consumption at work and less water consumption at home. (You’d be amazed at the summer laundry reduction if you don’t wear sweaters at work when there’s a heat index of 104 degrees.)

One Step at a Time

As you read this at home at work, try to think of a few ways that you – yes, you! – can reduce your reliance on air conditioning.  It could be a small step.  Add one degree to the setting on your thermostat. Drink something cold or indulge your ice cream craving to chill from the inside out. If your home or office has ceiling fans, use them.  If not, discover how easy it is to install one or track down an energy efficient fan that doesn’t require a ladder or overhead work.

Little changes go a long way. We can all do our part … even the poor souls who wear full suits to work during July in New Orleans.