Central Air Conditioning is more efficient than standard room (or window) air conditioners, but there are a lot of things to look for and consider in adding or upgrading a central air conditioning unit.
The best air conditioning units are efficient, using as little energy as possible, helping to keep your utility bills down. They provide reliable, steady performance year over year (when they are properly maintained), and a good central air conditioning system is quiet, lasts a long time, and requires very little service.
If you have an older central air conditioning unit, it might be time to replace it with a modern unit operating at higher efficiency. Today’s air conditioners are using as much as 50% less energy to create the same cooling effect as the air conditioners that were made in the mid-1970s. If you are using an air conditioner that is even 10 years old, an upgrade to the newer, more efficient models could save you as much as 20% to 40% on your cooling costs!
Determining air conditioner efficiency is dependent on proper sizing and installation. Too large of a unit may not remove humidity from the air, and too small a unit is unlikely to maintain your desired temperature when the weather heats up. Other factors that can lower your air conditioner’s efficiency include a less-than-optimal unit location, a lack of necessary insulation, and improperly installed ductwork. Be sure that you are using a licensed heating/cooling technician for any and all air conditioner installation and air conditioner repair!
Some of the features you may want to look for when buying a new air conditioner include:
- Noise level of the air conditioning unit (you want one that operates quietly!)
- Fan-only option – this allows ventilation at night without the cooling features, helping to greatly reduce your cooling costs
- Thermal expansion valve, as well as EER (high-temperature rating) above 11.6 – this will help you to get high-efficiency cooling when the weather is very hot
- A filter-check indicator that helps to remind you to check or replace the filter after the unit has run for a set number of hours
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to selecting a new air conditioner, as your home and needs are as unique as you are! A properly selected air conditioning unit can help to keep your home cool and comfortable as the weather heats up – and the energy savings can really add up!
