Did you know that one sixth of all the electricity generated in the United States is used to air condition buildings? With ecological concerns becoming more important to people how can we know that we are not being the pollution mongers that we so despise?
Once way is through an energy efficiency ratio measurement called the SEER. This SEER is used to rate all air conditioners on their efficient use of energy in order to set a standard of environmentally friendly machines. The term SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Generally the higher the number of SEER the air conditioner is given, the more energy efficient it is.
As environmental concerns continually grow the SEER on air conditioners has changed. In 1992 the SEER minimum standard for air conditioners was 10 and by 2006 it is said to be changed to a minimum of 13.
Along with trying to pick the highest SEER rated air conditioning unit you can afford, there are other ways to try and save on power. A big one is to match your air conditioners power and size to the room or rooms you will be cooling. Picking the wrong sized air conditioner will cause it to work to hard or cycle on and off too frequently to be efficient.
Another energy efficient tip for air conditioners is proper maintenance. Ensure that the air conditioning filter is cleaned on a regular basis to allow free air flow with minimum energy expenditure. For central air conditioners this includes the venting systems. Make sure they are clear of dust bunnies and other debris that may make the air conditioners air flow have to push harder.