Operating Cost and Efficiency

• The BTUs are listed for each air conditioner as is the size in square footage that the unit will cool. Go with the manufacturer's suggestions of size when buying the unit to assure efficient operating for maximum cooling.
  
  An energy-efficient air conditioner that meets the government standards for energy savings will save you in operating costs. Units will be marked with their efficiency rating. You will have the same cooling effect as other units, but it will cost you less to cool your room.
  
  

Operating Placement

• To prevent an air conditioner from overworking, it is best placed in a window that does not have direct sunlight all day. The part of the unit that hangs out of the window should be in the shade. Operating your unit to maximize cooling depends on this.
  
  Operating an air conditioner that is not sealed in the window will not give you the cooling effect needed. Air conditioners take humidity out of the air as part of the cooling process and any openings to the outside will constantly let in the humid air. This will overwork the unit and cooling will be minimal.
  
  Secure the unit tightly in the window when in operation to cut down on the noise caused by the vibration of the motor. The air conditioner must be at a slight tilt toward the outside to direct the flow of water from the unit. Water collects from the dehumidifying process and the runoff will drip inside if you are operating the unit while it is tipped inward.
  
  

Operation Settings and Cleaning

• For energy efficiency, operate your unit on high just until the room is cooled off. Turn it to a lower setting to maintain the temperature. Always make sure the intake air vents are not obstructed, which will make the unit work harder to suck in the air and in turn overtask the motor. The front of the air conditioner should have nothing in front of it when on.
  
  Keeping the air filter clean is the most important operating tip. If it is dirty, it will not take in air at the pace it was meant to and this will affect cooling. Clean the air filter once a week to keep your unit operating efficiently.