Whenever you get home, from an extremely hot and humid summer day, and all you want to do is cool down and relax, it has become as easy as the press of a button. Or when you are sitting in a highly frustrating traffic jam, and the heat from the outside seems to be affecting you from every which angle you can imagine, you can simply press the A/C button and suddenly the traffic becomes slightly more bearable. But yet too often we press this button, without any regard for the consequences not only to our bank balance, but also to the environment. Studies have indicated that the refrigerant gasses produced by air conditioners have a highly distressing impact on the ozone layer, and the ample energy used to run an air conditioner leads to a vicious cycle of detrimental environmental practices. Adding to this, air conditioners are expensive, not only to purchase, but also to run. Air conditioners have been found to severely increase fuel as well as electricity costs, more especially when they are poorly maintained. It takes a lot more energy, and thus more fuel or electricity to run an inefficient machine than an efficient one. Fortunately, the negative impact of the air conditioner can be limited by simple responsible practices on the part of the owner. Firstly, maintaining an air conditioning temperature of between 25 and 30 degrees does not only provide the optimum room temperature, but studies have found that it can drastically reduce the amount of energy your air conditioner consumes. Secondly, ensure that the air filters of your air conditioner are regularly cleared. By doing this, you are clearing the air path, allowing your machine to run without any pressure, and thus reducing the amount of energy needed for it to run. Thirdly, make sure that your machine is frequently serviced to ensure optimum performance. Lastly, and most obviously, only use your air conditioner when it is absolutely necessary, and never sleep with your air conditioner on. Numerous studies have found that these practices not only reduce your monthly spending as well as your carbon footprint, but also the risk of diseases such as influenza and upper respiratory diseases.