Are Modern Air Conditioners More Energy Efficient?
If you’re considering upgrading your home’s heating and cooling unit, you may be wondering, “are modern air conditioners more energy efficient?” Without a doubt, we can say yes, yes they are! Modern air conditioners use around 30%-50% less energy to produce the same cooling output as units made in the mid-70s. Additionally, if your system is 15+ years old, we highly recommend replacing it, even if it appears to be working well. It’s likely not performing at optimal energy-saving performance, and with a new system, you’ll get superior energy efficiency from day one! In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what makes them more energy-efficient and their many benefits.
Modern Air Conditioners
Current air conditioners on the market are much more energy efficient in general. Recent technological advancements and innovations have led to air conditioners that use less energy while providing the same cooling power. Plus, older units are likely not in very good shape. Components may be on their last leg, there may be a leak, or it just might not be able to produce the same output it once did. Let’s take a deeper look into some of the new technology in the air conditioning market.
What Makes New Air Conditioners Better?
- Improved Construction: Simply put, manufacturers are getting better and better at creating air conditioners that use less energy. Many minor improvements, such as improved motors and components, help create an energy-efficient product.
- New Refrigerant: If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it might use a refrigerant called R-22, a blend that contributes to ozone depletion. The refrigerant has stopped being produced and has been getting phased out the past couple of years. The replacement, R410A, is much better for the environment and much more efficient as it’s a better heat transference fluid.
- Multi-Stage Compressor: The compressor uses the most power out of all the other components in the air conditioner. With multi-stage compressors, they reduce the output when it’s unnecessary to work at full capacity. Cutting down on the compressor’s power usage greatly helps with energy efficiency.
- Variable-Speed Fans: Older models have blower fans that only run at one speed. Newer air conditioners with variable-speed fans reduce the power levels when it’s unnecessary to work at full speed (similar to the multi-stage compressor). Reduced power levels mean you get evenly distributed cool air around your home and lower energy bills in the summer!
Things To Consider When Purchasing
Having your unit correctly sized and installed is critical to determining the air conditioner efficiency. It will run on shorter cycles if it’s too large, which won’t adequately remove humidity, making your home feel clammy. If the unit is too small, it will struggle to cool your space, resulting in overheating and unnecessary wear and tear. Additionally, other factors such as lack of insulation, improper location, or ductwork will also reduce its efficiency.
Keep an eye out for the central air conditioner’s SEER rating. This rating stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which indicates the amount of electricity needed for a specific cooling output. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit. Modern systems are between 13-25 SEER, while older systems are usually six or less. You also want to check if the unit has an ENERGY STAR® label, indicating it’s around 15% more energy efficient than other standard models.
Select Home Improvements Is Here To Help
Between helping out the environment and lowering your energy bills, a new air conditioner comes with many improvements. It’s safe to say that modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient! Even if your system is only ten years old, a new efficient model can save up to 20%-40% of your cooling costs. If you have any questions or would like to get a quote for your project, our team is more than happy to help. You can give us a call at (855) 995-2233 or fill out the contact form on our website. We’re looking forward to speaking with you!
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Call us at (855) 995-2233.