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 you sometimes need it daily, you might need to buy an energy-efficient air conditioner.

What is an energy-efficient air conditioner?

It is a machine that helps maintain the temperature of your room or house while using less electricity. In other words, it helps you conserve energy without compromising on comfort. They tend to have a higher initial investment but make up for it in the long run with their low running costs.

Types of energy-efficient air conditioners

Central air conditioners and portable air conditioners are the two different types. Central air conditioners are usually more expensive than portable ones but are much more efficient in energy consumption. Portable air conditioners can be moved from one room to another and do not require installation.

Here are some tips on how to choose an energy-efficient A.C. unit:

• 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 a device 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.

• 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 watts 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.

• Get the Right Size

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

With the right-sized A.C. unit, you will spend the least money on electricity to achieve the most comfortable temperature for your house. If you are unsure how to calculate the right size unit for your home, you can get professional help.

• Opt for the Inverter Model

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

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

• Energy-Saving Technology

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

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