Especially with energy costs rising, it’s becoming more and more important to optimize how energy is spent in your home. While there are many ways to help keep your house cool in the summer, and warm in the winter, some techniques such as closing your vents to redirect airflow can actually end up hurting you. After all, one of the most straightforward ways to reduce your energy costs is to get an energy-efficient AC in the first place.
When it’s time to find a new AC unit, you’re going to compare prices and take the size and needs of your home into consideration. But you should also consider the unit’s energy efficiency. The more efficient the unit, the less your energy bill will be. And as the summers continue to get hotter and hotter, those savings can add up. But if you don’t know where to start your energy-efficient journey, our three essential tips can help you find the most efficient air conditioner.
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Check the efficiency rating
All air conditioners have SEER ratings, making it easier for you to tell which units are energy efficient. This Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is found by taking the cooling output during the summer and dividing that by the energy used per hour in the same period.
The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is. A good SEER rating is 13 or 14, with the most efficient ratings being 20 to 26. The newer the unit the more likely it has better efficiency due to advancements in HVAC technology.
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Compare the different types of AC systems
There are different types of air conditioning units to choose from: ducted air conditioning, window air conditioners, portable units, and ductless mini-split systems are the most common.
Central air conditioning uses ductwork to connect the rooms of your home to the air conditioning unit. This type of system is powerful and energy-efficient.
Window units are used to cool individual rooms and are less powerful than larger units. Each model can vary in efficiency.
Portable units are used in small spaces and use either one or two hoses to suck in hot air and move it outside. These units are the least efficient of the four.
Ductless split systems also use hoses instead of ducts to transfer air, but can work in larger spaces than portable units. There is one unit outside the home, and another inside, hence the name split system. These units tend to be more efficient than portable and window units.
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Compare different models
Once you have settled on the type of system, you’ll still have one more decision to make: what model to choose from. There are various brands with different models to choose from, so you can find the best fit for your budget and needs. Here are three models with high energy efficiency ratings:
- The Lennox Signature Series XC25 — Lennox commits to high efficiency with all their units, and this split system ducted unit has a SEER rating of 26. It can even integrate with solar to reduce energy consumption.
- The Amana AVXC20 and Daikin DX20VC — Daikin and Amana are the same company, though they have different names. These models have the same SEER rating of 24.5 and are variable speeds.
- The Lennox Signature Series XC21 — Lennox proves their high efficiency with another model that was designed for hot climates. With a SEER rating of 21.2, it is the most efficient two-stage AC unit.
Get Your New Energy-Efficient AC Unit Installed With HARP Home Services
If you have any questions or need installation service, call the experts at HARP Home Services. Our HVAC technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable and can provide AC installation, replacement, tune-up, and repair services.
Schedule your AC service appointment online or by calling (860) 851-4418.