Upgrading to an
energy efficient, premium efficiency, or Energy Star air conditioner has a number of perks. Compared to a minimum efficiency air conditioner, it can:
- Be quieter
- Be more aesthetically pleasing
- Control your home's temperature and moisture better
- Require less maintenance
Plus, you could save 30 percent on your cooling bill if your existing air conditioner is more than 12 years old and you replace it with a new, energy efficient one.
All new central air conditioners are labeled with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The SEER—unfortunately not a Harry Potter reference—measures the seasonal efficiency of an air conditioner (defined as the total annual cooling output in Btu divided by total electrical energy input in watt-hours). Use the SEER to compare different models. Harness its powers. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. Aim for a SEER of 14-17 (or 16-23, if you have more money to spend up front).
In order to get the most comfortable and efficient air conditioning system for your home, you should talk to a qualified heating and cooling contractor.
1. Hire a qualified contractor to evaluate your home and determine its cooling needs. To find a qualified contractor, check out Energy Star's
10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor.
Be ready to provide information about your current air conditioning system when you call the contractor.
2. To find out
which central air conditioners qualify for the Energy Star rating, you can use the
online database developed by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. To get started, see the
quick guide to using the online database. Then select and order your new central air conditioning unit.
3. Make sure the contractor installs the new unit in a cool, shaded spot about two feet from the north or east side of your home. Direct sunlight makes the unit work harder. The new unit should be positioned away from other objects and for proper air circulation; it should not be enclosed by a deck or shrubbery.
Choose the right size. A unit that's too big for your needs will waste energy, have less ability to control humidity, and have a shorter life due to excessive on-off cycling. And if you've improved your home's efficiency since the last time you purchased an air conditioner, you may be able to purchase a smaller unit. To determine the proper size for your home, ask your contractor for an exact heat-gain calculation (following ACCA Manual J procedures). Make sure the contractor sizes the unit based on the latent cooling load as well as the sensible cooling load. Do not rely on rule-of-thumb estimates as they tend to be inaccurate.
About the indoor and outdoor coils. For maximum efficiency, ask your contractor to make sure the efficiency ratings for the indoor and outdoor coils match. Have the contractor install removable airtight access panels in the indoor unit so a service technician can clean the cooling coil easily.
Get a two-speed air conditioner. Consider buying a two-speed air conditioner, which can run very efficiently at its lower speed during most of the cooling season while using its higher speed to provide all the cooling you need on the hottest days.
Your duct system may affect your air conditioner's efficiency. If your duct system has leaks or disconnected portions, you will not reap the full energy savings you could get from a high-efficiency air conditioner. Consider having your contractor check the entire length of your ductwork for leaks and seal any leaks with mastic-type sealant, not duct tape. It's now possible for a contractor to perform verified duct sealing by using a special fan to test duct system leakage before and after sealing. Also have the contractor check for and repair disconnected ducts, which are a common problem.
Insulate any ducts in unheated spaces with R-6 or higher insulation.The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation—and the more money left in your wallet.
Use a programmable thermostat along with your new air conditioner. If you don't already have one, consider purchasing a
programmable thermostat and have your contractor install it along with your new air conditioner. That way you can save energy on home cooling while controlling the temperature in your house and keeping your family comfortable.