High rated air conditioners: upgrading and buying

If your air conditioner is 10 years old, you may save 20%, 30% or even 40% or more in your cooling bills if you replace it with a high-rated unit. And your savings may amount to 50% or more if your air conditioner is around 20 years old... That is: there are very good reasons to replace old air conditioners.

SEER

Today's central and ductless air condioners are rated in terms of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER).

A high SEER means less electricity to provide a specific cooling output. Ancient systems have SEER ratings of 6 and less, but current minimums in most countries are 13 or higher. Some high-efficient modern models have SEERs of 20 and more, which means that the electricity comsumption of modern units is 1/3 or less of the older models.

Room air conditioners rating: EER

Room AC air conditioners are rated by EER (Energy Efficient Ratio: the cooling output divided by power consumption). The higher the EER, the more efficient the room air conditioner. EERs of 13 or more are desirable.

High-rated air-conditioners

To get higher standards and higher energy-efficiency in air conditioning, look for qualified units with high EER/SEER. The UE eco-labeling (for European countries) or the Energy Star ratings for USA, Canada or New Zealand and Australia are the best references.

Upgrading Central Air Conditioner equipment

When replacing an old central air conditioner, you may only replace the outdoor compressor (properly matched to the indoor unit). It's often a cheaper option, but also a bad one in the long run. Changes in refrigerants and other air conditioning components make the replacement of the entire system a much better option.

Buying an air conditioner

When buying an air conditioner also prefer a unit with…

- a variable speed air handler;
- an equipment that operates quietly;
- a unit with a fan-only switch (to allow you to use just the fan, for nighttime ventilation);
- a filter check light (to remind you to check the filter when necessary);
- a automatic-delay fan switch, in order to automatically turn off the fan.