With the rising cost of energy, many people are concerned about keeping cool this summer. One way that you can reduce your energy consumption is to swap out your old AC with a new energy efficient model.

The True Cost:

The average family spends approximately $2,000 per year on energy bills and this figure is expected to continue rising. Around half of the energy consumption for homes can be attributed to heating and cooling. This means that your AC is one of the biggest energy guzzlers, second only to your heating equipment. While the energy needed to cool your home will depend on its size, the insulation, the summer temperatures, and other factors including the number of windows and home layout.

One crucial factor is the age of your air conditioning equipment. As appliances age, they tend to lose efficiency and this applies to AC units. Additionally, technology continues to be improved, which means that a top-of-the-line AC unit purchased 15 years ago cannot compete with average units on sale today.

This means that if you want to have a greener home and lower your energy bills without compromising on your summer comfort, you should consider an AC equipment upgrade.

Considerations for Choosing a New AC Unit:

Before you rush out to purchase a new AC unit, you need to find one that is the perfect fit for your home. Getting an energy efficient cooling system is more than a matter of finding equipment that is highly rated. You need to choose equipment that will run optimally with the minimum amount of energy, while offering the desired comfort levels.

When shopping for new AC equipment, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. These include:

Your Preferred Type of Air Conditioner:

The first thing you will need to decide is which type of air conditioning system is the best choice for your home. There are numerous options that range from portable units to central systems. The best choice will depend on your budget, your home layout and the areas that need to be cooled.

If you only need to cool a single room, you should find a portable or window air conditioner a good option, particularly if you have a smaller space. If you need to cool your own home, one of the most efficient options is a centralized AC system, but this will need a duct system. If you don’t want to install ducts, you can install ductless units to create zones in various areas of your home.

The Energy Efficiency Rating:

If you want to minimize your energy consumption, you will need to choose an energy efficient AC unit. Look out for Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a nationally recognized brand that provides estimates of the energy use, annual cost and overall lifetime cost. This blue icon makes it easy to spot energy efficient appliances and provides an idea of what you can expect.

In addition to the Energy Star certification, there are two other efficiency ratings that will be displayed on appliance packaging.

EER refers to the Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently the AC equipment uses electricity.

SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it provides a measurement of how efficiently the AC unit will cool over a season.

Mistakes to Avoid:

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when shopping for a new air conditioner is installing the wrong size of unit. Even if you choose the most energy efficient model on the market, if it is incorrectly sized for your home, you will not benefit from the energy savings.

If your air conditioner is too large, it will be too overpowered for your space. This means that it will short cycle, flicking on and off, as it tries to provide the desired comfort level. Conversely, if the equipment is too small, it will be overworked, trying to maintain the temperature inside your home.

Other Considerations:

Before you make a final purchase decision, there are a few other considerations to assess. These include:

  • The positioning: If you want to prevent your AC unit from working overly hard, you will need to consider the shade and ventilation when you place your outdoor AC unit. There should be adequate space around the AC unit, so that air can properly circulate, but ideally, it should be placed in a shady spot, so it is not exposed to direct sunlight in the intense heat of summer days.
  • The thermostat placement: The thermostat is effectively the brain of your heating and cooling system. It triggers the equipment to switch on and off as needed to maintain your desired temperature. To do this, the thermostat contains sensors which detect the ambient temperature. This means that if your thermostat is in direct sunlight or near heat generating appliances, it will pick up false readings, which will compromise the performance and efficiency of the system.
  • Your insulation: If your home is poorly insulated or you have leaky air ducts, you will be allowing your treated air to escape your home. Additionally, your equipment will be forced to work harder, using more energy to compensate for the loss. So, if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your system, it is well worth assessing your home’s insulation and making any appropriate upgrades.
  • Features you don’t need: While it can be easy to be dazzled by all the bells and whistles of the latest deluxe AC units, there is no point in paying for features and perks that you may not actually need. So, be realistic about your requirements and expectations.
  • Proper installation: Finally, it is well worth bearing in mind that you can easily compromise the efficiency of your new AC system if it is not properly installed. While it may be tempting to try to save a few bucks on your installation costs, an incorrect installation will cost you far more in the long run, as you’ll be paying higher energy bills and repair costs.

If you’re considering a new AC system, be sure to consult a professional HVAC specialist. An experienced technician can evaluate your home and guide you through the most efficient equipment options.