Energy-efficient, premium-efficiency, and Energy Star-labeled central air conditioners may operate more quietly, be more visually appealing, have better temperature and/or moisture control, and be easier to maintain than minimum efficiency air conditioners.
If your existing air conditioner is more than 12 years old, you could save 30% on your cooling bill if you replace the old air conditioning unit with a new, energy-efficient one.
All new central air conditioners are labeled with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The SEER 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. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit.
In order to get the most efficient and comfortable central air conditioning system for your home, you will need to consult with 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, visit
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 Air-Conditioning 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 wastes energy, has less ability to control humidity, and has a shorter life due to excessive on-off cycling. 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. 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.
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.
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.