According to the latest research, while programmable and smart models are pricey than the manual type, the more expensive type could potentially allow the owner to save as much as $180 every year on their energy consumption. You will be more comfortable while you are saving and spending lesser time tweaking your unit when you are at home or at work. In some places like California and Florida, there are several pilot programs conducted wherein smart models get signals from the utility company. These models regulate the temperature based on the price of the electricity at various times of the day. At a rate of approximately 70 cents per hour, decreasing the usage of air conditioning system for just one hour every day will save you around $65 to $110.