How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner

Energy efficiency has grown to be a global concern lately. This is not only due to the climate crisis, but also because it helps you save some cash on your electricity bill. And since it can sometimes be needed on a daily basis, you might need to buy one that is energy-efficient air conditioner.

Here are some tips on how to choose an energy-efficient AC unit:

1. Look for the Energy Star Logo

Energy Star is a program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that measures and informs consumers about how efficiently appliances consume energy. If an appliance has a blue Energy Star logo on it, that means it has been tested. The Energy Star rating ranges from 1-100. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is.

2. SEER, EER, and COP

SEER is the ratio of total cooling produced during an entire season per total watt-hours. EER is similar to SEER, but instead of being seasonal, it measures the efficiency for the whole year. Meanwhile, COP is the ratio of cooling capacity in watt per power input.

Using different methods, these three parameters indicate how efficient the unit is at converting electrical energy into air with cooling properties. The higher the rating, the better.

3. Get the Right Size

High ratings will not help you save on energy bills if your AC unit is either oversized or undersized. An undersized AC unit will work extra hard to achieve a temperature it may never get. Your bill will still be high, and your room still won’t be that cold. On the other hand, an oversized AC will cool your room down pretty fast, but your electricity bill will skyrocket.

With the right-sized AC unit, you will spend the least money on electricity to achieve the most comfortable temperature for your house. If you are not sure how to calculate the right size unit for your home, you can get professional help.

4. Opt for the Inverter Model

An inverter AC can turn the current from alternating current (also commonly shortened as AC) to direct current (DC). This system allows the compressor to adjust its motor speed to compensate for the temperature changes. On the contrary, a conventional AC will either run on max or completely off.

When the room has reached its ideal temperature, an inverter AC will slow down its machine. Therefore, it consumes less energy without affecting the room temperature. Meanwhile, a non-inverter AC will keep running at full speed even after your room is perfectly cooled. Sure, you can turn it off and on again later, but even that would consume a lot of energy.

5. Energy-Saving Technology

Some AC units have special technology that allows them to run with lower energy consumption. Usually it is as simple as “Energy-Saving Mode” or “Economical Mode.” Some others have a sensor that can detect when there is nobody in the room, and it automatically slows the machine down.

Buying an AC unit is an important decision that may affect your financial and environment situation for many years to come. Therefore, be sure to make a wise choice, especially considering how many parameters there now are that make it easier to determine the efficiency of each AC unit.