When purchasing a new air conditioner for your home, it’s important to consider a variety of factors such as AC size, longevity and of course, energy-efficiency. If you want to conserve a little more with your HVAC unit, check out these tips on purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner brought to you by the pros at Freedom Air and Heat.

1. Look for High EER Rating

“EER” stands for Energy Efficiency Rating, which measures energy efficiency during the hottest time of the year. The higher the EER rating, the more energy-efficient your HVAC unit will be. When looking for high EER ratings, consider checking out central air conditioners that have earned the Energy Star. To earn this star, products (like ACs) must meet strict energy efficient criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. If you purchase an Energy Star approved AC, you are guaranteed to get a product that has a higher EER and uses 8% less energy than standard models.

2. Choose the Right Size

The size of your air conditioner and its energy-efficiency capabilities kind of go hand in hand. A bigger AC does not necessary mean it will be better—in fact, oversized ACs won’t run regular cooling cycles and it will short cycle, which is essentially caused by an AC powering up and down frequently. On the other hand, if your AC is too small it will end up running constantly without being able to reach the temperature set on your thermostat. This will once again cause your electricity bill to take a hit as well as other issues such as inconsistent temperatures and humidity levels throughout your home.

3. Programmable Temperature Settings

Your AC should be compatible with a programmable or smart thermostat. These types of thermostats have various features such as energy-saving modes and settings, temperature scheduling options, wi-fi compatibility etc.  These features can make it easier for AC users to control the temperature and humidity in their homes while conserving energy.

4. Post-Purchase Tip: Change the Air Filter!

This tip is for those of you who have already purchased a new AC. Even if your AC isn’t particularly energy-efficient, there are ways you can save up on your electricity bill. One of these ways is simply changing your air filter every month or so. A clean air filter improves your indoor air quality, prolongs the life of your AC and reduces energy consumption by 5 to 15%. It’s one of the easiest ways you can improve your AC’s performance while saving up on your electricity bill.

Whether you want more tips on choosing an energy-efficient conditioner or you want HVAC maintenance, repair and installation services, the pros at Freedom Air and Heat are here to help. Give us a call at 321-631-6886 (Brevard County, FL) or 772-778-2272 (Indian River, FL). You can schedule a service with us on our website.