The manufacturing industry in the United States is responsible for nearly half of all exports in the country while foreign-headquartered companies invest up to $750 billion in U.S. manufacturing, employing over 1.6 million employees. As the industry continues to grow and make lives easier, U.S. manufacturers have to face a 20% structural cost burden when compared to their global competitors. Although other foreign companies may be able to do it cheaper, the quality, service, and reliability provided by the American manufacturing industry helps to distinguish American-made goods like air conditioners as the safer, more reliable alternative.
Air Conditioning Across the Nation
Air conditioning was once considered a luxury too expensive or new for most to have. In 1993 only around 68% of occupied housing units had an air conditioning unit — in 2009 the Residential Energy Consumption Survey found that 87% of American households are now equipped with air conditioning. Up to 89% of single family homes have AC, this is higher than the rate for apartment buildings, which is only 82%. Of those apartments, 84% of units in apartment buildings with over five units had air; compare this with the 77% of 2-4 unit apartments. Due to the increased reliance on air conditioning, several safety and energy concerns have risen.
Energy Savings and Safety
A typical U.S. household spends nearly 60% of energy bills on appliances: this is $1,400 a year to operate heating and cooling equipment, water heaters, ranges and ovens, refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and dishwashers. Energy-saving air conditioners and other appliances can help cut down on your energy use. Many home structure fires have also been associated with faulty equipment in air conditioners. To prevent the system from overloading, many units are fitted with thermal fuse functions to help regulate the device and prevent structure fire. A thermal fuse functions as a cut-off, which uses a one-time fusible link. Unlike a thermal cutoff switch which can reset itself when the temperature drops, thermal fuses are similar to single-use electric fuses that must be replaced when it fails or is triggered. With proper maintenance and installation, the American manufacturing industry is helping to keep Americans safer and cooler.
