Short answer: Energy-efficient air conditioning units are more efficient than conventional models, so they cost less to run. They're also quieter and more durable.
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient AC
The best way to determine whether or not an air conditioner is energy efficient is to look at its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit will be at cooling your home or office space throughout the seasons. Most ACs today have ratings between nine and 14 SEERs. However, if you want one with a higher rating (15+), you may need to pay more upfront. However, you will see cost savings over time because it uses less electricity than other models. You can help reduce your electric bill by choosing a more efficient air conditioner. Here's how:- Check the SEER rating of the unit. This stands for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The SEER rating indicates how much electricity an air conditioner uses over time. The higher the number, the more efficient it is. If you're replacing an old unit, choose one with a rating of at least 13 SEER. For a deeper understanding of what these numbers mean, see our SEER rating guide. If you've never had an air conditioner before, it's best to get one with at least 14 SEER.
- Look for ENERGY STAR® certification on all new units. ENERGY STAR® certification means they're designed to save you money!
- Get a larger unit versus a smaller AC unit if possible; this will allow you to run it less often and save even more on your electric bill!
Consider This In Your Home
It's important to consider whether or not any obstacles could affect airflow in your space. For example, if there's a window near where you'll be installing the unit, you might want to consider getting one with a horizontal fan instead of a vertical one. This will help so it doesn't interfere with how much air can flow through that area. Also, consider obstacles such as furniture blocking the vents and home arrangement. Blocking vents reduces energy efficiency and the safety of the unit and your home. Then there are other factors, such as noise level and ease of use, that should also be considered.
What do You need to Know When Buying an Energy-Efficient AC?
When buying an energy-efficient air conditioning system, it's important to know what questions to ask.- What kind of AC do I need? Many different types of air conditioners are available, so it's important to figure out exactly what kind will work best for your home. Do you need a window unit? How about a whole-home package? Is there anything special about your home that makes it difficult for some types of AC units?
- Once you've figured out what kind of AC you want, the next step is figuring out how much power your new unit will use. This is where the efficiency rating comes in. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be. This means it will use less electricity than other units with lower ratings.
- Finally, consider whether or not you want an eco-friendly option. Some options are more environmentally friendly than others. For example, some units use low-voltage technology. You'll also want to find out whether or not any parts are recyclable at the end of their lives (many parts can be recycled).
Older HVAC Units
If you have an older air conditioner, it's time to replace it. The cooling efficiency of your home's central AC system can be improved with an energy-efficient replacement. Energy-efficient air conditioners use up to 20% less electricity than standard models. With a new energy-efficient model, you will save money on your monthly electric bill. When buying a new air conditioner, there are some important things to consider. First, make sure you buy one that is ENERGY STAR® qualified. ENERGY STAR® meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA estimates if every household in America replaced just one old, inefficient unit with a new ENERGY STAR® unit, we would:- Save enough energy each year to light more than 2 million homes for a year
- Power more than 750,000 cars in a year
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to those produced by 30 million cars
- Some are more expensive
- Some are more durable
- Some are better for certain climates
- First, they are often less expensive than traditional systems because they do not require as much maintenance or repair.
- Second, they are less likely to break down due to their design. You will likely spend less time waiting for repairs and more time enjoying your home or office environment.
- Finally, these systems do not generate greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or methane. These gasses contribute significantly to global warming. Choosing an environmentally friendly unit means we can all benefit from supporting the Earth.
What Makes an AC Energy Efficient?
Air conditioning is an important part of any home. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, it's always nice to have a cool environment to relax in during the summer months. Did you know that air conditioners can use up to 40% of your energy bill? That's why ensuring you're using an energy-efficient air conditioning unit is important. When shopping for an AC unit, several features can help you determine whether or not it's energy efficient. These features include:- ENERGY STAR® certification
- It uses less electricity than the average air conditioner
- It is designed to cost less to operate
- It's designed to last longer than a traditional air conditioner
How Is Energy Efficiency Measured?
An energy-efficient AC uses the least amount of electricity to maintain a comfortable temperature. Energy efficiency is measured in terms of British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. BTUs are the amount of heat generated by burning one pound of gas. The higher the BTU level, the more powerful and expensive your AC unit will be. The lower the BTU level, the less you'll pay for electricity, but it may not be powerful enough to cool down your whole house on hot days.What To Do Right Now
Thankfully, you don't have to wait for the future to make cooling your home cost-efficient. If you have an old HVAC system chugging along and eating up money and energy, consider calling The Cooling Company to get help with your HVAC energy savings. We can compare the operating costs of your old system with a new, energy efficient system and show you how much money you will save in a year when you upgrade. Read our guide on the most energy efficient air conditioners to explore top-rated options. Contact The Cooling Company today and learn more about how you can reduce your energy bill and your carbon footprint.Related service: Want to lower your energy bills? Explore our AC maintenance and energy-efficient AC installation services for Las Vegas homeowners.
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