Air Conditioners are one of the largest energy users in a home, and can account for up to 55% of the total electricity consumed annually for some households. On average, about 7% of a household's electricity use goes to air conditioning. Air-conditioning usage varies significantly from region to region due to weather patterns and lifestyle choices. In warm climates where cooling is used throughout much of the year, households may spend more than half their utility bill on cooling alone (in hot climates). Newer homes tend to require less energy to cool than older ones because they are better insulated. The type of cooling system (central air conditioner, heat pump or window air conditioner) you choose is equally important. When purchasing a new system, look for the ENERGY STAR label on air conditioners and heat pumps
Air Conditioning Facts
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On average, about 7% of a household's electricity use goes to air conditioning.
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The average cost of an air conditioner is $500. Assuming you run your air conditioner for 10 hours per day for 8 months out of the year (192 days), you'll spend roughly $15 per month on electricity and another $60 in maintenance costs over its lifetime.
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If you have an energy efficient AC unit that runs at 14 SEER—a relatively high standard already—then it will save you roughly 25% on your annual cooling bill compared to other models with lower efficiency ratings. With this particular model costing around $1,100, that's money saved over its lifetime!
Newer homes tend to require less energy to cool than older ones because they are better insulated.
Your home’s insulation is the key to keeping your energy bills low. Insulation helps keep cool air in and hot air out. It also cuts down on drafts, which reduces your need for auxiliary heating sources like space heaters or humidifiers.
As the name suggests, high-efficiency air conditioners save energy by using less of it to operate—between 20% and 30% less than standard models.
They also use less power to run at full capacity, so they don’t have to work as hard or run as long when you need them most (for example, in summer).
The type of cooling system (central air conditioner, heat pump or window air conditioner) you choose is equally important.
One of the most important factors in your energy bill is the type of cooling system (central air conditioner, heat pump or window air conditioner) you choose.
Central air conditioners are more expensive to buy and install than other types of cooling systems, but they are more efficient at cooling large spaces. Heat pumps can also cool large spaces and save energy compared to window units; however, these units are significantly more expensive than standard central air conditioning units. Window unit prices range from $150-$600 depending on size and features.
As with all major purchases like this one there are pros and cons for each system type so it really boils down to what works best for your needs as well as your budget!
When purchasing a new system, look for the ENERGY STAR label on air conditioners and heat pumps.
When purchasing a new system, look for the ENERGY STAR label on air conditioners and heat pumps. This label indicates that the product performs well in energy efficiency and carries a high level of performance and quality.
If you're replacing an existing high-efficiency unit that was purchased before January 2005, consider upgrading to a newer model with better technology. These types of improvements can save up to 20% more energy than their predecessors did when they were first sold.
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is the government program that sets standards for efficiency in household appliances, like refrigerators and dishwashers. The highest level of certification is labeled "Super Efficient," which requires products to use 20% less energy than the minimum standards set by the government. Appliances with this designation must also meet more rigorous testing requirements than their lower-rated counterparts (for example, they must be able to maintain optimal performance over a wider range of temperatures).
Energy Star is also used for other types of equipment besides air conditioners, including water heaters and heating systems.
Heat pumps are another option for heating your home in colder climates, using an outdoor unit and reversing valve that allow it to operate as both an air conditioner and furnace by moving heat into or out of your home.
The efficiency of a heat pump depends on outside temperatures, but it’s still generally more efficient than other types of heating systems. You can expect to pay around $3-$5 per square foot each year in energy costs for a heat pump (with installation included), compared to around $7-$12 per square foot annually for gas furnaces and electric baseboard heaters.
If you live in a warm climate, check out our ductless mini-split systems to reduce your utility bills.
Ductless mini-split systems are a good option if you live in a warm climate. They're more expensive than central air conditioning, but they're cheaper than window air conditioning units and they don't require the same amount of up-front installation costs. If you want to save money on your energy bill and don't mind paying more upfront for installation (and being able to keep the window unit over winter), then this might be the best choice for you!
Energy-efficient air conditioning units can save a lot of money over time, especially if you have the right kind of insulation (and doors/windows).
Energy-efficient air conditioning units are a great way to save money on your energy bill. But the savings don't just come from the unit itself—they also come from the insulation and doors/windows in your home. For older homes, proper insulation is essential for preventing cold drafts around windows, doors and other openings that could otherwise cause more work for your air conditioner. For newer homes, it's still important: though modern construction materials may be better at managing heat transfer than older ones, they're not perfect! And even if you live in an area where temperatures don't fluctuate too much throughout the year (or if you live somewhere with mild winters), proper insulation can still help keep rooms cool by reducing heat transfer through walls and ceilings while keeping out excess moisture that can damage sensitive electronics inside electronics like computers or televisions.
