Cooling the Home

Types of Home Cooling Systems

During Maryland’s hot, humid summers, effective cooling ensures healthy air quality, prevents heat-related health problems, and protects your home from damage due to excessive humidity. Choose energy-efficient systems to also save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

A white air conditioning unit is mounted on a rooftop, with a clear blue sky in the background. The unit features a large fan on one side and a grid-like structure on the other

Central Air Conditioners

How It Works
Central air conditioners use a system of ducts to distribute cool air throughout your entire home. The system pulls warm air from inside, cools it using a refrigerant, and recirculates the cooled air.

Advantages
Centralized cooling ensures a consistent temperature across your home, making it one of the most effective ways to cool a large space.

Disadvantages
Installing central air conditioning is more expensive than other options, especially if your home does not already have ductwork.

Energy Efficiency
Look for models with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of at least 15 to ensure maximum efficiency. ENERGY STAR-certified models provide even better energy savings.

Here’s a Tip
Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed and connected without sags or excessive bends.

A modern living room features a light-colored sectional sofa with multiple cushions, a round wooden coffee table, and two potted plants in the corners. Above the sofa, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit is installed. Natural light streams in through a large window, illuminating the space

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

How It Works
Ductless mini-split systems provide targeted (zoned) cooling without the need for ductwork. These systems have two main components: an outdoor compressor and indoor air-handling units that can be mounted in different rooms.

Advantages
Ideal for homes without ductwork, these systems allow you to cool specific areas (or zones) independently. This can save energy by allowing you to cool only the rooms you are using.

Disadvantages
Higher upfront costs than window units, though they are more efficient in the long run.

Energy Efficiency
Ductless systems are highly efficient and perfect for zoning, which can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Here’s a Tip
Keep the compressor (the part of the unit outside) clean to prevent overheating.

A portable air conditioner stands on a wooden floor in a bedroom. The unit has a black front grille and a white body, with a control panel on top. In the background, a bed with light-colored bedding and a potted plant are visible

Room Air Conditioners

How It Works
Air conditioners are self-contained units designed to fit into a standard window frame or as a portable device. They cool a single room by pulling warm air in, cooling it using refrigerants, and blowing it back into the room.

Advantages
Easy to install and cost-effective for cooling small spaces.

Disadvantages
Only cools one room at a time and may not be the most energy-efficient option.

Energy Efficiency
Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label, as they use 10% less energy than standard models.

Here’s a Tip
Install rigid foam panels between the window frame and unit and secure with duct tape instead of the accordion panels to reduce air leakage.

A portable air cooler stands on a wooden floor in a bright room with large windows. The cooler has a white exterior and adjustable vents, and a potted plant is visible nearby. Outside the window, green trees and a clear sky can be seen

Evaporative Coolers

How It Works
These units work by pulling outdoor air through water-saturated pads, cooling the air as the water evaporates and circulates it throughout the home.

Advantages
Less energy-intensive than traditional air conditioners.

Disadvantages
Work best in dry climates and are less effective in humid areas, making them less ideal for Maryland.

Here’s a Tip
Regularly clean and drain your evaporative cooler to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible.

A modern living room features a gray sectional sofa with decorative pillows, a wooden coffee table, and a large potted plant in the corner. Natural light streams in through sliding glass doors that lead to a grassy outdoor area. A round wall clock and a sunburst mirror are mounted on the wall, adding to the decor

Fans & Ventilation

Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool a home.

How It Works
Natural ventilation (opening windows), ceiling fans, and attic fans help improve air circulation, which can make you feel cooler even without lowering the air temperature.

Advantages
Cost-effective and energy-efficient, especially when used alongside air conditioning.

Disadvantages
Fans don’t lower the room temperature but can help reduce reliance on air conditioners.

A corner of a room featuring a large window with multiple panes, allowing natural light to enter. The wall is painted light gray, and there is a wooden door partially open on the left side. A white radiator is positioned beneath the window, and the floor appears unfinished

Energy Efficiency Tips for Home Cooling

Seal Leaks
Make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated to prevent cool air from escaping. This can significantly reduce your cooling load.

Use Programmable or Smart Thermostats
Set your thermostat higher when you are not at home. Smart thermostats can even learn your schedule and adjust automatically.

Regular Maintenance
Change air filters regularly and schedule annual maintenance checks for your cooling system to ensure it operates efficiently.

Block the Sun
Use curtains, blinds, or window films to reduce heat gain from direct sunlight. This can help keep indoor temperatures lower naturally.

Set the Right Temperature
For maximum energy efficiency, set your thermostat to 78°F when you are home and slightly higher when you are away.

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Incentives & Rebates for Cooling Systems

Maryland residents can benefit from various rebates and incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient cooling systems:

Clean Energy Advantage (CEA) Loan Program
The CEA Loan Pilot Program offers Maryland residents a convenient and affordable financing option for residential energy improvements for all income levels.

BGE Smart Energy Savers Program
Offers rebates on high-efficiency air conditioning units, smart thermostats, and other cooling equipment.

EmPOWER Maryland
Provides incentives for home energy audits and rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, including air conditioners and heat pumps.

Federal Tax Credits
The federal government offers tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, including cooling systems.

Financial Programs