Among common household appliances, air conditioners require considerable power to run. Therefore air conditioners can have a dramatic impact on utility bills, which also harms the environment, since emissions are released as fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity.
Ideally, a great way to save money is to never use an air conditioner, but realistically this appliance is a necessity in warmer climates. The next best option is to select an energy efficient air conditioner.
Be sure to look for the Energy Star logo when shopping for an air conditioner to ensure the unit meets the strict standards of the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Energy efficient air conditioners have been found to use 10% less electricity than other models, which also means they cost 10% less to run as well.
There are efficiencies in use to be considered as well. A common mistake is to purchase an air conditioner that is larger than necessary for a given room. Larger air conditioners naturally require more electricity, so try buying a smaller unit and restrict your use to common rooms rather than having units installed throughout your home.
Structural inefficiencies in the home can be passed down to the air conditioner as well. Make sure your home is well insulated to eliminate drafts and use blinds or draw curtains to resist the sun’s warmth on a hot sunny day. You should always aim to use your air conditioning as little as possible.