How to Choose an HVAC That Maximizes Energy Efficiency in Your Home?

There is no modern invention that is as necessary and essential to household comfort as the humble air conditioner. There are several different options available today ranging from central systems to window units. Air conditioners are more cost effective and energy efficient as ever before. These are a few factors to consider while choosing an air conditioner to keep your energy bill and temperature low in your Bay Area home or business.

Select the Right Size

Size is an important factor when choosing an air conditioner. A unit that is too large will cool your space, but it will also leave the air clammy and damp. Conversely, a too-small AC will drive up your energy bill by working overtime for maintaining the set temperature. This is why most experts believe that air conditioning sizing is probably the most important factor homeowners should consider if they want to maximize energy efficiency.

Programmable Temperature

Even the most basic window units are equipped with digital displays that allows one to set precise temperature. They also allow owners to schedule the air conditioner to turn on and off remotely. You can get the air conditioner to switch on before coming back home. Central air conditioners have highly equipped programmable thermostats that are even more flexible.

Energy Savings

One of the most obvious features to look for is the energy saving setting. This refers to a feature that shuts down the fan as well as the compressor once the set temperature has been achieved. This allows for enhanced energy conservation.

High SEER and EER Rating

SEER and EER are related even though they are not interchangeable. They are ratings that are used for measuring the energy efficiency of a particular unit. EER stands for Energy Efficiency Rating, while SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Higher rating means more efficiency and vice versa. You can find EER and SEER ratings for both central and room air conditioners.

Energy Star Certification

You should look for the Energy Star certification when deciding which unit to purchase for your home. Energy Star certification means that a particular unit has exceeded or met the efficiency standards of other similar models. Basically, you can compare the energy efficiency of different models with this certification.

Wi-Fi Enabled

You should consider installing a smart air conditioner if you have made your home smart. Wi-Fi enabled air conditioners come with programmable smart thermostats. You can program the thermostat to shut down the air conditioner when no one is at home and to restart a few hours before you are scheduled to come back. Programmable thermostats also come with special AI that learn behavior. The thermostat can increase the temperature by a few degrees when everyone is in bed to conserve energy.

Tips to Conserve Energy

There are a few tips you can follow to ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently.

• Program the thermostat to run at 78 degrees during summers for better managing cooling costs
• Turn off the air conditioner at night and open windows to save at least 30% on your utility bills
• Insulate your house to close all sealing points
• Make sure your window units are clean
• Always replace air filters on time
• Install and use ceiling fans to minimize energy consumption