Medioimages/Photodisc
DCL
I've lived in quite a few apartments without central air conditioning. In Los Angeles, the weather is so perfect, I don't need air conditioning. When I lived through the sweltering summers that the Midwest offered up, I usually stuck a room AC in my window and lived only in that one room. Of course, I'm a miserly son of a gun and would only use the AC when I felt that I would have a stroke of some sort.
There are ways to make your room AC more efficient. That way you don't have to sacrifice comfort in order to save the planet. Here are a few helpful suggestions.
1. Get A Properly Sized Unit Bigger isn't necessarily better. You will want an AC that is properly fitted for the room. Check out Energy Star's chart.
2. Get the Bells and Whistles Buy an energy-efficient Energy Star unit. You will be more comfortable and you'll save energy. It might also be a good idea to spring for models with timers, programmable thermostats, sleep settings, etc. These are all valid ways of saving energy.
3. Change the Filter Cleaner filters are always better, especially for indoor air quality.
4. The Air Conditioner Stands Alone Keep heat-generating appliances away from your AC's thermostat.
5. Made in the Shade If you have a window that has some shade cover, put the AC in that window. You'll save 10% more energy. Make sure that your unit's air flow isn't blocked by the shade.
6. Seal the Unit If you are going to keep the unit in place or if it has been permanently affixed. It might be a good idea to insulate the spaces between AC and window. Also, you may want to put a cover on the window unit in the winter to protect it from cold and give your living space more insulation.
7. Practice Proper AC Maintenance Here is how to maintain your window unit.
