So, it seems you're having trouble with your air conditioner or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) system. Maybe your older unit is experiencing sensor problems, or the refrigerant is leaking. You might be thinking about calling a technician to help you sort out the problem. But besides fixing up the timeworn unit, have you considered upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioner? Those of you who are big fans of renewable energy (and even those of you who aren’t) may learn that buying an energy-efficient air conditioner will reduce your air conditioner’s energy use.
Have you ever seen the blue Energy Star label and wondered what it meant? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Energy Star (trademarked ENERGY STAR) program in 1992 to promote energy efficient products, including heating, air conditioning, water heating, and commercial refrigeration. It was also meant to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy, making it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.
What is energy efficiency?
The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines energy efficiency as one of the key elements for ensuring a safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system for the future. It is by far the quickest and least costly way of addressing energy security, environmental, and economic challenges. In addition, the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute states that only products that are proven to meet the Energy Star specification have the right to use the label. These specifications are continuously being updated by the EPA in collaboration with its partners and various stakeholders, to guarantee energy and financial savings for consumers. Overall, Energy Star-qualified products reduce energy costs by at least 30 percent and you could save up to 50 percent on your utility bill for cooling.
How is energy efficiency determined?
When it comes to air conditioning units, the level of energy efficiency is determined by the unit’s SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, commonly referred to as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. A SEER rating refers to the ratio of cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it consumed in Watt-hours. Modern air conditioners have a minimum SEER rating of 14 (depending on your state’s requirements), to a maximum of 21-23 rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.
However, the air conditioner that is right for your home won’t always be the one with the highest SEER rating, as this can be significantly impacted by the property's size, age, and location. For your air conditioner to achieve an Energy Star qualification, it must have a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher. It is also important to clarify that a SEER rating is not a constant value but a maximum rating, meaning that a unit can be as high as 14.5 SEER, but this doesn’t mean that it’s always 14.5. Keep this in mind when thinking about purchasing a new efficient air conditioner, because some sellers might push you into buying expensive SEER equipment, which is typically twice as expensive as the base model.
Here are some other benefits and “cool” facts about installing an energy efficient air conditioner:
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
As mentioned above, having an energy efficient air conditioning system helps reduce some greenhouse gases as well as harmful carbon pollution. Purchasing an air conditioner manufactured after 2010 is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, as these units no longer use ozone-damaging refrigerant. Instead, they are equipped with R-410A, which lacks the chlorine believed to be harmful to the environment and has zero ozone depletion potential. This creates a cleaner environment for your family and the generations to come.
Lower Utility Bills
While having an energy efficient air conditioner might seem like an investment up front, in the long run, it will save you money. Heating and cooling systems make up 50% of your home’s entire energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a new, high-efficiency air conditioner can reduce the energy you use for cooling your home by up to 20%. Plus, air conditioning units with an Energy Star certification are guaranteed to lower your monthly cooling bill and deliver a clean HVAC service in your home.
Tax Rebates and Incentives
Depending on which state you live in, there may be rebates and incentives available for installing a new energy efficient air conditioner. Furthermore, under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 that was signed in February 2018, a number of tax credits for residential energy efficiency were renewed. Tax credits for all residential renewable energy products have been extended through December 31, 2021.
Fewer Repairs
When your air conditioning unit is functioning at a higher level of efficiency, it’s not having to work harder than necessary to cool your home. Thus, the equipment will remain in better condition and need less repair work over time.
Enhanced Durability
In addition to needing few repairs, energy efficient air conditioners maximize efficiency through working smarter, not harder. These units cycle on and off less frequently, resulting in a longer operating life. Also, because they perform so well, energy efficient air conditioners don’t need to be replaced as soon or as often as less efficient systems. With proper yearly maintenance and tune-ups, your efficient air conditioning unit could last up to 20 years.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
According to EPA's Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. The agency also states that the main purposes of HVAC systems are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration. In other words, air conditioners are responsible for keeping your indoor air clean. The newest energy efficient air conditioners offer indoor quality technology such as air purification and humidity control.
To conclude, let me leave you with this final thought:
If all room air conditioners sold in the United States were ENERGY STAR® certified, the cost saving would grow to more than $350 million each year, preventing more than 6 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually, says Energy Star, “equivalent to the emissions from over 570,000 vehicles."
Getting the most energy-efficient air conditioner that you can afford helps the environment AND saves you money. Sounds like a good deal to me.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact your local air conditioning company and upgrade your unit to an energy-efficient one. You will not regret it.
(To read more about the importance of energy-efficient and climate-friendly air conditioners, please click here.)