Choosing the Best Energy Efficient Air Conditioner
July 31, 2019
Categories: General HVAC
When installing a new air conditioner, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Depending on your situation, certain models are more energy efficient, saving you money on your energy bills in the long run.
What You Need to Know About Energy Efficiency
Buying the wrong type of air conditioner for your home can affect the air quality in your home, and have an impact on your energy costs. Ensuring that your home cooling system is the right size for your space can create the optimal temperature and environment in your home.
If your air conditioner is too large, your space won’t be cooled faster but rather make your space damp and clammy. If your air conditioner is too small, the room won’t be evenly cooled and can shoot up your energy costs.
Most modern air conditioners have programmable settings and come with precise temperature options that allow you to schedule how long your units are running. The best air conditioners will turn off the unit along with the fan, saving you energy and money.
Energy Star Certified
When researching your options, pay attention to whether the air conditioning systems are Energy Star Certified. Energy Star certification sets the standard for energy savings and is United States government backed, helping save money and protect the environment.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
To measure efficiency units are given an EER, short for Energy Efficiency Ratio. The EER determines whether the air conditioner has an appropriate ratio of cooling capacity to power input. The better the ratio, the higher the EER.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
Air conditioners are also labeled by their SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating is like how miles per gallon works on your car. It measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency. Air conditioners ratings range from 13 to 21.
Types of Air Conditioning Units
What kind of air conditioner is right for your home? Newer models have features including wi-fi, different fan speeds, and remote controls. There are four main types, with various life spans.
Central Air
Central air conditioning systems give the evenest cooling in your home. These can be expensive to install if you don’t have the ductwork already installed in your home, but for many, this is the best option. According to the Energy Start standards, these are the most energy efficient central air conditioners.
Room
These types include window air conditioners and portable units and are the cheapest option up front. Room units save money if you’re trying to cool one space but can increase your energy usage significantly if you’re trying to cool your entire home with a window or portable units. These are the most energy efficient room air units.
Ductless, Mini Split
A more expensive option, these units are mounted on a wall and can cool different rooms in your home or office without installing ductwork. A mini split can cost up to 30% more than adding a unit to your existing system. These are the most energy efficient ductless air conditioning units.
Evaporative Coolers
These models work best in very arid climates. They cool outdoor air using evaporated water and circulate it throughout your home. These types of air conditioners can help humidify extremely dry air.
How Martinov Can Help You
We offer all four types of cooling systems and ensure that our units are energy efficient. We will work directly with you to determine the best air conditioning system for your home and budgetary needs. Are you ready to find a solution to your cooling problems? Contact us today for a free estimate.