COCONUT GROVE, Fla. - Watsco Inc. has announced the launch of ACDoctor.com, a new Website that offers educational tools to help homeowners identify energy efficient cooling systems to help save money and reduce the negative impacts of global warming, says the company.

The heating and cooling of homes accounts for nearly 56 percent of residential energy use in the United States, totaling $66.5 billion per year, says Watsco. Upgrading heating and cooling systems may be the most effective way to reduce residential energy consumption over the long term, while decreasing electricity bills and potentially improving indoor air quality along the way.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than 57 million homes in the United States have central air conditioning systems, with 32.1 million units in the Southern region alone. Upgrading a standard 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) air conditioning unit to a 16 SEER system with a programmable thermostat can reduce cooling costs by 25 percent and up to 40 percent if a 21 SEER system is installed.

ACDoctor.com features energy saving calculators and tips on how to keep energy bills low, energy efficiency high, and improve the quality of indoor air. Users can compare HVAC systems, connect with quality contractors, and locate financial incentives to make purchases easy and affordable, says Watsco. With a range of brands and investment options, ACDoctor.com can help provide a greener home environment.

For more information about energy efficient residential air conditioning systems, visit www.acdoctor.com.

Watsco is a major independent distributor of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment and related parts and supplies, currently operating 426 locations serving over 40,000 customers in 34 states. Additional information about Watsco may be found at www.watsco.com.

Publication date:07/07/2008