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The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

Air Conditioning

Three-quarters of all homes in the United States have air conditioners. Air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners.

Switching to high-efficiency air conditioners and taking other actions to keep your home cool could reduce energy use for air conditioning by 20% to 50%. For general information on air conditioners and how best to maintain them, see:

Maintaining your air conditioner

Common problems with air conditioners


The two most common types of air conditioners are room air conditioners and central air conditioners. A compromise between the two types of systems is provided by ductless, mini-split air conditioners. See the following for specific information relating to these air conditioners:

Central air conditioners

Ductless mini-split air conditioners

Room air conditioners