High efficent ac units

If your air conditioner is 10 years old or more you may save up to 50% in your cooling bills by replacing it with a new efficient AC unit. There are very good reasons to replace old air conditioners.

SEER

An high efficient central ac model from Lennox The energy efficiency of air conditioners are measured by their SEER (central and ductless air conditioners) or EER (window air conditioners).

The energy efficiency of central and ductless air conditioners is measured by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The highest the SEER the better. A high SEER means less electricity to get a specific cooling output...

Ancient systems have a SEER of 6 or less; today's minimums are 13 or higher: more than twice the efficiency of older units.

Some high-efficient AC models have SEERs of 20 and more (at least tripling the efficiency of older models). And it is in these high-efficient AC models that you should bet. They are more expensive, but you will recover that higher initial investment in a short time.

Window (room) air conditioners rating: EER

Window AC air conditioners are rated by their EER (Energy Efficient Ratio: the cooling output divided by power consumption), something equivalent to the SEER of the central and air conditioners.

In other words: the higher the EER, the more efficient the window air conditioner. Bet on a window air conditioner with a EER of 13 or more.

See: Window Air Conditioners Tips

High-rated air-conditioners

To get high-efficient AC units, look for qualified models 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 easiest way to get these high-efficient air conditioners.

Upgrading Central Air Conditioner equipment

When replacing an old central air conditioner, you may just replace the outdoor compressor, properly matched to the indoor unit. That's often the cheapest option in the short run.

But surely not the best one in the medium or long run... Changes in refrigerants and other components make the replacement of the entire system a much better option. It may cost a little more, but you will certainly get a much more efficient air conditioning unit..

Buying an High Efficient air conditioner

Buy an high-efficient and quite air conditioner unit with...

- a variable speed air handler;
- 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 the fan off.

See: Best Air Conditioning