On a whole, installing an
air conditioner isn't an
eco-friendly endeavor. They use energy, contain toxic coolants and are suspected to be responsible for
increased greenhouse gas emissions. That said, sometimes having an air conditioner isn't a choice, but rather a necessity. The important thing to do is to make sure the air conditioner you purchase is as eco-friendly as possible. What does an
eco-friendly air conditioner look like? Most importantly it's
Energy Star certified. Energy Star certification guarantees you that the air conditioner uses at least 10% less energy than conventional air conditioners and often means that the air conditioner in question
includes a timer for more efficient use. Don't stop at
Energy Star certification, though, you can also find an eco-friendly air conditioner that's
remanufactured or
made from recycled content (while still being Energy Star certified).