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Newer air conditioners can be subsidized by state energy offices or local utilities.

Photograph by Maksud/Shutterstock

Usage Tips

  • Turn it down. If your unit has a thermostat, set it to 78 degrees F.

  • Fan only. At night, use your air conditioner's fan-only mode.

  • Use the recirculate option instead of constantly cooling hot air from outdoors.

  • Turn the air conditioner off when you're out.

  • Clean the filter often, (biweekly or as needed), and where possible, hose down the back of the unit to remove debris that can clog cooling coils.

  • Seal leaks. Make sure window models are installed as tightly as possible to prevent hot air from seeping in around the unit's edges.

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