Use an Energy Star Air Conditioner

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Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		If you need to use an air conditioner for summer home cooling, ensure it’s ENERGY STAR® certified. ENERGY STAR room air conditioners are at least 10% more efficient than other models and their central air conditioning systems are at least 8% more efficient. Be sure to use passive cooling techniques, such as insulation, landscaping and window shades, first to reduce the energy required to meet your cooling needs.  Affordability ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioners are comparably priced to standard models and they tend to be high quality as well as energy efficient to save you money in the long term. Cost savings Set your air conditioner to 25.5°C (78°F) or higher. You can save between 3% to 5% in home cooling costs for every degree you raise it. Health & comfort Use a programmable thermostat for central air conditioners. You can set the timer to have your house cool when you arrive home. They cost between $25 and $100 and can reduce your cooling bills up to 10% a year. Environmental considerations Read our Shade Your Windows, Plant a Shade Tree, Add or Upgrade Insulation and Minimize Indoor Heat Generation tips for ideas on how to passively cool your home and greatly reduce your home cooling energy use.

What you need to know

• Regularly check the filter in your air conditioner to ensure it is clean. In general, filters need to be replaced every one or two months for optimum efficiency.
• When running your air conditioning, ensure you close outside doors and windows to keep the cooled air inside the house.
• Turn off your air conditioner overnight or when you are away for a day. Leave the blinds or exterior shade screens closed to reduce heat gain.
• Locating the outdoor portion of your air conditioner in a shaded area or planting trees and shrubs to shade it, could increase its efficiency by as much as 10%. Be careful not to obstruct airflow around the unit.
• Use ENERGY STAR’s online air conditioner guide to help you find the ENERGY STAR room or central air conditioner for your needs.

FAQ

Is it true that it’s better to leave the air conditioner on when you’re out in the day or else it will take more energy to cool the house when you come home?
No. Much like home heating, it’s better to reduce air conditioning when you go out then increase it a little when you return. Whether you live in a house, condo or apartment, most homes will retain a good percentage of their cool air, especially if you also use passive cooling strategies like window coverings. If you can’t tolerate coming home to a warmer house, consider a programmable thermostat, which can be programmed to turn up when you go out then down again before you return.