These Sustainable AC Habits That Pay for Themselves

Many parts of the world are experiencing extreme heat events. Officials are advising people to stay indoors to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat rash, and heat stroke, as temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s to the low 100s °F. In some places, high humidity will push the heat index to 100–110 °F, and even as high as 115 °F.

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If you haven’t heard of it before, the heat index combines heat and humidity to indicate how hot it actually feels.

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A more sustainable way to keep your home cool during this intense heat is to use passive cooling techniques such as shading windows, weatherizing your home (you can get federal assistance for this), running your oven and dryer at night, using fans and exhaust fans, and adding green roofs and extra insulation.

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Also read: 6 Ways to Keep Your House Cool Without an AC

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But with heat indices this high, passive techniques won’t cut it on their own. Many of us still need air conditioning to stay cool. But air conditioners also warm the planet by releasing greenhouse gases.

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So is there such a thing as sustainable air conditioning? There are a few options for energy-efficient cooling.

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How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

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Dirty, clogged air conditioner filters reduce airflow and make your AC less efficient. As a result, it uses more energy and produces higher emissions. To prevent this, clean your AC filters every month or two (or replace them when needed). Keeping the filter clean also helps protect components such as the evaporator coil from failing prematurely.

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Here are some tips on cleaning the AC filter and other parts: 5 Tips to Clean and Prepare Your AC for Summer

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Choose Optimal Thermostat Settings

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It’s a common misconception that you can lower AC costs and energy use by turning the unit on, setting it very low (e.g., 63°F), and then switching it off. In practice, this often uses more energy because the system has to work harder to bring the temperature down quickly.

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A more energy-efficient approach is to set the thermostat at the highest temperature to keep you comfortable, often around 78°F during the day and about 72°F for sleeping, and keep it at a steady setting. The Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR also recommend an indoor temperature between 75–78°F during the day.

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Run Your AC on Renewable Energy

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Powering your air conditioner with renewable energy (such as solar) is more sustainable than using electricity generated from oil or gas. If possible, consider investing in solar panels and battery storage to cool your home with cleaner energy. If your grid already includes some renewable power, look for the times of day when the renewable mix is highest and run your AC more during those hours.

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Heat Pump vs Air Conditioner

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If you’re planning to invest in new cooling equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label for higher efficiency. Also consider a heat pump. It operates similarly to an air conditioner: it extracts heat from a source such as the surrounding air or ground, amplifies it, and transfers it where it’s needed. Heat pumps are typically more energy efficient and cheaper to run than conventional technologies like boilers or electric heaters. By installing a heat pump, you can save 1-7 metric tons of carbon emissions every year.

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