Air conditioning systems are widespread today and the majority of commercial and residential buildings have them in some form. One of the things that makes air conditioners so useful is their ability to not only provide cooling air but also heat up rooms, which makes them an invaluable addition to any home or business.

If you are concerned about the amount of energy you use, either from an environmental viewpoint, or simply to save money with the rising cost of electricity it is essential that you are aware of how to maximise the efficiency of your air conditioners. You may think that you are doing all you can by buying a model of air conditioner that has the Energy Star logo on it, but this is just the beginning of making sure your air conditioner is being efficient. Follow these tips and you will soon be running your air conditioner as efficiently as possible.

-Make sure that you check and clean the filter screen thoroughly every month. This might seem like a rather arduous task but in the long run it will save you electricity by cutting down on the fan usage and this in turn will save you money.

-When you first turn on your air conditioner do not put it on at the lowest temperature setting. By allowing the system to warm up first, then reducing the temperature, it will cool the room just as quickly but without using up as much electricity making another saving.

-To reduce your energy usage by up to 25% install a ceiling fan in the biggest room in the building. By doing this you will be able to turn your air conditioning down by 2 to 6 degrees, just make sure that in the winter you reverse the fan's rotation to clockwise.

-Check and keep the condensing unit clear of leaves, twigs and other outdoor debris. Also make sure that you regularly check and clean the condensing coils to maintain their performance. You would be surprised at the amount of money wasted by not keeping air conditioners and cooling systems maintained correctly.

-When buying air conditioning systems go for the units that have an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 10.0 or preferably higher, this means that you will be saving money by buying an efficient air conditioner.

If you are looking to change your air conditioner or you are buying one for the first time you need to consult the experts. Your local HVAC technician can provide the best advice on air conditioners and all aspects of residential and commercial cooling and heating systems. Once you have chosen the model that suits you and your needs, have your local technician deliver, install and demonstrate your air conditioner.