When summer rolls in, air conditioners can become the most important appliance in our home. Everyone appreciates shelter from summer humidity and heat, but this relief does not need to come at an unaffordable price and cost to the environment.
Using an energy-efficient air conditioner is one of the most effective ways to control cooling expenses. If you’ve noticed an uptick in your summer energy bills, it might be time to think about an efficiency upgrade to your cooling system.
Today, we’ll discuss the most important features you need to consider while buying the best energy-efficient air conditioner that will keep both your energy bill—and the temperature in your house—low.
Choose the Best Type of Air Conditioner for You
Each air conditioner is designed for different living conditions. Based on your budget and home, one kind of air conditioning may be a far better option than another. Here are some different kinds of AC units to help you choose better:
1. Split Air Conditioners
Split AC units come in mini splits for small homes or multi splits for larger homes. A system is comprised of an interior unit(s) and an exterior outdoor compressor(s). The outdoor unit drives the cool air into each indoor unit that is in the home (one unit per room).
Split ACs are a popular option since they are relatively cheap to operate and replace. They cool specific rooms so they can be controlled zone by zone, offering greater control over energy usage and the system can be added on to other rooms, offering good flexibility.
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2. Window Air Conditioner Units
Window AC units are ideal for people living in small spaces or if you just need to cool a single room. This self-contained device comes in an extensive range of models and sizes.
They are simple devices that you can pick up at hardware and department stores and install yourself. See the video below to find out how:
3. Packaged Air Conditioner Systems
Packaged AC systems are made up of a single HVAC unit that can comprise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
This is a favoured choice for small houses and apartment buildings that don’t have much room since this unit is one piece and can be placed outside. They integrate with existing ductwork, though they are not as efficient as split systems.
4. Ductless Mini-Split Units
These AC units are energy-efficient like split systems, quiet, easy to install and don’t take much space. The maintenance costs are relatively low.
The best part about them is that you can install them in your house without the costly installation of ductwork.
They are also extendible to a multi-split system, should you want to cool multiple rooms.
5. Smart Air Conditioner Units
Smart or wifi-enabled AC units are particularly designed to provide you the most instinctive and personal cooling experience possible. You can achieve maximum energy efficiency from them by simply adjusting the thermostat and temperature through apps and smart home integration features.
6. Portable Air Conditioner Units
These are wheeled machines that are suitable for any space. Contained in a special casing, they have a hose that you can run out your window to vent the hot air. They’re particularly useful for people who want to cool just one room at a time so they can move the unit between rooms.
7. Inverter Air Conditioner Units
These air conditioners use less energy than traditional AC units. They use inverter technology to control the compressor motor speed. Whereas traditional air conditioners work by turning the compressor on and off to regulate the temperature, which can be energy-intensive and less efficient, inverter AC units adjust their speed to maintain a more consistent temperature.
This results in less energy consumption, faster cooling, and more precise temperature control. They can come at a very high price, however.
8. Solar Air Conditioner Units
These units are exactly what they sound like—air conditioning systems that are entirely or partially powered by solar energy. These systems integrate solar panels or solar thermal collectors to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity or heat, which is then used to drive the cooling process.
They offer several advantages, including reduced energy costs, environmental sustainability, and increased energy independence. They make a great option for anyone wanting to live off grid.
Determine Your Air Conditioner Size
When choosing an air conditioner, size should always be your top priority. It may be hard for a too-small unit to fill your place with comfortable and cool air. On the contrary, an extra-large unit may cause you more harm than good, as it will short-cycle, causing it to turn on and off more times than necessary. This causes higher energy bills and shortens the life of the unit.
The most precise way of determining the size of your AC is by calculating the British Thermal Unit (BTU) value. To determine your BTU, first, you need to measure the length and width of the room you want to cool. Use feet as a unit of measurement. Then, multiply the length by width to get the area’s square footage. Lastly, multiply the square footage by 25 BTU and you get the minimum cooling capacity of your room.
Read an Air Conditioner’s Energy Guide Label
Inspect the EnerGuide label (or yellow EnergyGuide label in the U.S.) on an AC unit to learn more about its energy-saving capabilities. You will find this label on almost every major home appliance. It gives users an idea of the energy consumption of the appliance, as well as how it compares with other more or less efficient models.
Inspect Other Energy-Efficient Features
To make the best possible choice for your next energy-efficient air conditioner, here are some key features you should consider:
1. Energy-Saving Mode
While looking for an energy-efficient AC unit, this one is a no-brainer. The unit must have an energy-saving feature or mode that will allow it to conserve energy and power. This will help to lower your electricity bill and also improve the overall performance of the unit.
2. Programmable Temperature
Almost every efficient AC unit comes with programmable temperature settings nowadays that allow you to set your temperature manually. The unit will shut off automatically when it reaches that temperature. Usually, the recommended temperature is between 25°C and 27°C.
3. ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR® certification is another industry certification that you can count on. A unit having this stamp of approval indicates it has reached or even exceeded higher efficiency standards in comparison to other models.
4. High EER and SEER Ratings
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) are two ratings that measure of a unit’s energy efficiency based on BTUs. Always remember that a higher rating means greater efficiency.
5. Wi-fi Connectivity
The most sophisticated AC units can directly connect to your home wifi network. This will allow you to control the system from anywhere with a tablet or smartphone. If a device does not have this feature, the same function can be obtained using a smart thermostat.
Personalization of cooling schedules is made simpler with smart systems. Additionally, some can learn your preferences over time and intuitively operate to meet them.
In conclusion, with recent technology, air conditioner units are becoming more energy-efficient than ever before. Planning an upgrade in your cooling system is a great way to secure money and cut down on your carbon footprint. Good luck!
Feature image: Bogomil Mihaylov; Image 1: Raychan
