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Which Air Conditioner is Most Energy Efficient?

August 19, 2022

Air conditioning is one of the top ways to keep your home comfortable throughout the warmer months. Since it’s running for months at a time during the summer season, energy efficiency is key!

Luckily, air conditioners are more energy efficient and cost-effective than ever before! You don’t have to run a high energy bill just to keep your home cool. All you need to do is choose the most efficient air conditioning system for your home! At Jacob Heating & Cooling, we’ve put together a guide on how to find the most energy-efficient air conditioner.

Features to Look for When Buying a New, Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner

There are a few things we recommend you look for when buying a new air conditioner that will help keep your home cool and your energy bill low, including:

Look for Programmable Temperature Settings

In your search, you will find that even basic window units now feature digital displays that allow you to set a precise temperature and schedule your A/C unit to shut off when you’re out of the home and turn back on when you’re headed back to the home. You will also find that central air systems are even more versatile!

Choose the Right Size A/C for Your Home

The size of your A/C is critical to maintaining an energy-efficient home. If you have a unit that is too large, it will cool the air, but it will also leave your home damp and clammy, which can lead to other issues. If you have a unit that is too small, the unit will be overworked trying to maintain the set temperature. This will drive up your energy bills and typically result in inadequate cooling.

Having the correct air conditioner size is one of the most critical factors in choosing the most energy-efficient unit.

Seek Out Units with Higher EER and SEER Ratings

These two ratings, EER or “energy efficiency rating” and SEER “seasonal energy efficiency rating,” are used to measure the unit’s specific energy efficiency, which is measured in BTUs. In general, the higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit is.

Make Your Home Smarter with a Wi-Fi Enable Unit

If you are working on integrating smart technology into your home, don’t forget about your AC! With a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, you can use your smartphone to adjust your AC. All types of ACs, including split units, window units, ductless minis, and more, are available in the smart version. These units are extremely adjustable and will contribute to your energy savings.

Look for the Energy Star Certification

We also recommend that you look for the blue Energy Star certification when choosing the best air conditioner for your space. This certification is crucial because it means that the unit has met or exceeded higher efficiency standards than other similar AC models.

Choosing the Right Type of Air Conditioner

There are a variety of air conditioners to choose from, and some will work better for your space than others. This is why it is critical to understand the various types of AC units and which one will best suit your home.

Central Air Conditioners

When shopping for a central air conditioner, you will choose between a split air conditioner or a packaged A/C system. Central air conditioners push air through the air ducts in the home and are typically used in areas where it is hot throughout most of the year.

  • Split air conditioners – These come in two pieces, including an exterior compressor and an interior fan system. The exterior compressor is installed outside of the home, and the cool air is pushed through your home using the air ducts.
  • Packaged A/C systems – These systems are central air and are typically installed as part of a duel air and heat system or HVAC. If you already have a forced air system, it is the most efficient and least expensive option to install a packaged A/C system.

Other Air Conditioner Options

Portable Air Conditioners

These units are similar in appearance to a dehumidifier. They are wheeled cabinets, similar to window units, that have all the necessary components to function as a cooling system. They will need to be vented to the outside of the home and will typically include a kit to help you achieve this. Also, if the unit does not self evaporate, you will need to empty the water tank regularly.

Window Unit A/Cs

These are self-contained air conditioners that are available in a range of sizes. They are installed in the window and can be removed when they are not needed. They can also be permanently installed through the wall of your home based on your needs.

Ductless Mini-Split A/C Units

These units are available in two pieces, a wall-mounted interior unit and an exterior compressor. These units are energy efficient and quiet and can be installed in the home without ductwork or in a home where retrofitting ductwork would be expensive or complicated.

Inverter Air Conditioners

Inverter air conditioners work at variable speeds and only draw the amount of energy they need to maintain the set temperature. These units typically use less energy than traditional air conditioning units and will also cool the home more efficiently. They are, however, more expensive upfront.

Need Help Choosing the Right Air Conditioner? We Can Help!

At Jacob Heating & Cooling, we can help you find the right size unit to efficiently cool your home. Contact us today to learn more!

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