In a climate that gets as hot and humid as Milwaukee’s, your best bet may be a properly sized efficient central air conditioning system with high SEER rating. Air conditioners with a SEER 16 rating or higher qualify for an energy efficiency tax credit from the U.S. government.

Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program also offers $100 rebates on central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps. Heat pumps also qualify for the federal tax credit. They work like air conditioners to cool your home in the summer, but they are also able to heat your home in the wintertime.

If you live in a small home or apartment in Milwaukee, you may want to choose an efficient window air conditioner. Window air conditioners work best when cooling off an apartment or just one or two rooms of a small home. Room air conditioners with a high EER (14 or better) are considered energy efficient. If used properly, they will cost less to run than a central AC or heat pump, and they are much cheaper to install.