energy efficient air conditioners
Air conditioning is responsible for many billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Since most people need air conditioning at the same time, that high consumption of some summer days leads to the construction of power plants otherwise unnecessary: dozens of power plants are built all over the world just to respond to seasonal air conditioning needs.
But contrary to what happens with our heating systems, which can’t be easily replaced, there are good alternatives to air conditioning or to reduce its use.
See: Air conditioning alternatives and Best Air Conditioning
Types of air conditioners
Central air conditioning systems (both packaged and split systems) are being challenged by ductless split systems and window/room air conditioners. These newer air conditioning products are excellent alternatives to central AC.
As to portable room air conditioners, though increasingly popular, they are limited in their scope and an inneficient option (mainly if the ventilation issue isn't conveniently addressed).
See:
Air conditioner types
Ductless air conditioners advantages and disadvantages
Window air conditioners tips
Portable Air Conditioners and Venting
air conditioning Savings
For basics on air conditioning savings, see: Air Conditioning savings
Room and Portable air conditioners
Unless you do need to cool your whole home, room/window air conditioners are a much better option for energy savings.
If you need air conditioning, bet on a qualified window (room) unit or on a ductless split system. These types of air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than central AC.
See: Window air conditioner tips and Portable Air Conditioners & Venting
Ductless (Mini-Splits) air conditioners
AC ducts are a common cause of energy losses, even in well designed and installed systems, which makes ductless air conditioning a better option.
See: Ductless air conditioners advantages and disadvantages
AC Cleaning, Failures and regular maintenance
The cleaning/replacing of room and central AC filters, AC coils and blower is crucial to get lower cooling bills.
A good air conditioning service should provide well tunned air conditioner refrigerant charge, proper airflow, cleaned coils and non-leaking AC ducts. That's vital to get high energy-efficiency from your AC system and lower cooling bills.
See:
Air Conditioner Malfunction
AC Maintenance
Window air conditioner maintenance
Air Conditioning Service Guide
Good AC Brands
Cleaning Air Conditioner Coils
AC Blower
Sizing and Installation AC Basics
Oversized AC systems are a common cause of higher cooling costs. When buying a new air conditioner, bigger is not better. Oversized AC units/systems cost more to operate, will cycle on and off more frequently, are noisier and don't dehumidify the air sufficiently well.
See:
Air Conditioner Size Charts
Air Conditioner performance
New high-rated air conditioner
Get rid of your old and inneficient air conditioner. If you need conventional air conditioning, buy new high-rated equipment, with fan-only options and replaceable filters. You will get significant savings.
See: High Efficient AC
Building a new house and air conditioning
In most climates, a well designed house - based on passive solar principles, proper insulation and high energy-efficient windows and doors – doesn't require central air conditioning. Take it into account, if you are about to build a new home.
Air conditioners and heat pumps
Air heat pumps and air conditioners are very alike in their technology, but there is a small-big detail that can make heat pumps an interesting alternative to air conditioners in moderate climates: electric savings...
See: Air conditioners vs. Heat pumps.
Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a key element to get air conditioning savings.
See: Thermostats basics
Air conditioners, manufacturers and Service