How to be efficient with air conditioning
Air conditioners are an effective way to cool your home, but they can use a lot of electricity and lead to higher energy bills in the summer months.
To help maximize your comfort, while keeping your energy costs down, follow our guide to choosing and using an air conditioner.
On this page:
Types of air conditioners
Central air conditioning
A central air conditioning system pumps cool air around your home through ducts. Of all the AC options, a central system is the most expensive, ranging from about $3,000 to $8,000 to buy and install. Consult with an HVAC contractor to help determine which system would be most suitable for your home.
Portable air conditioners
Portable units are room air conditioners suited for cooling individual rooms in a home. They're installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. Portable air conditioners are usually less efficient than other air conditioner types. Features like a dual-duct design or a variable-speed or inverter compressor can significantly improve their performance.
A portable unit can easily be wheeled to different spots around the home to cool the areas you need, like a bedroom when sleeping or an office during the day. Just remember to close doors and windows in the room where the unit is to keep the cool air in, and avoid wasted energy costs.
Prices for portable air conditioners range from about $400 to $800.
Window air conditioners
Window units are room air conditioners that are installed in a window frame, typically a vertical sliding sash (up/down) window. Since they're not portable, this type of unit is best suited to cool a specific space, such as a bedroom or home office.
Window air conditioners are more efficient than portable air conditioners. ENERGY STAR® units with variable-speed or inverter technology offer the best efficiency.
A window air conditioner may not be suitable for you if:
- You don't have a compatible window type.
- You need access to open the window.
- You're concerned about aesthetics or blocking light.
- Strata rules may limit their use in condos and townhomes.
Window air conditioner prices range from $300 to $700.
Heat pumps for cooling
Heat pumps may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to options to cool your home, but in addition to being able to transfer heat into your home, they can also work in reverse to transfer heat out of your home. So if you're serious about air conditioning, maybe a heat pump is the answer. It'll keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and it could save you money on your heating.
How to choose the right room air conditioner
- Opt for an ENERGY STAR-rated model when available. These are the most energy-efficient models on the market and tend to be higher quality.
- Select the right size unit for your home and needs. You can roughly calculate what you need with a simple formula based on air conditioner performance, which is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Just multiply the square footage of the space you need to cool by 25 BTU. For example, if your space is 15 feet x 12 feet, then 15 x 12 = 180 square feet. Multiply 180 by 25 BTU, and you'll know that you need an air conditioner rated at 4500 BTU.
- On average, window air conditioners are almost twice as efficient as portable units.
- Check the Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER). The higher the CEER, the more efficient it is. Window units typically have CEERs from 9 to 15, and portable units have CEERs from 5.6 to 8.4
- Set your air conditioner to 25.5°C (78°F) or higher. You can save up to 5% of cooling costs for every degree you raise it.
- For portable or window units, place them in the room(s) that will provide the most relief and comfort.
- Keep its components clean. Dirty filters, air intakes or grills can reduce performance and make the unit loud when it's operating.
- Check your insulation. For maximum efficiency, the space you want to cool should be properly draftproofed and insulated.
- Continue to follow efficiency tips for windows and blinds to help keep your space cool, increasing the effectiveness of your AC unit.
Free air conditioners for select customers
If you have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program, you may be able to receive a free portable air conditioner. See the air conditioner offer details to learn about eligibility and how to apply.
Air conditioner cost calculator
See how much the different types of air conditioners could cost you with our cost calculator.
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