If last year’s energy bills were too much to deal with, energy efficiency is a major goal with your new AC installation. Check out our guide to finding an efficient installation for your home, and call the friendly team at AC Designs Inc. for more information.
What makes an HVAC installation energy‑efficient?
An energy‐efficient HVAC installation starts with selecting a properly sized, high‑SEER system and having it professionally installed:
- Choose a system that carries the ENERGY STAR label and has a SEER rating well above minimum (e.g., 16‑18 instead of 14) — that ensures the unit is efficient under real‑life conditions.
- Ensure professional installation that includes a load calculation, correct sizing and matched components; even a high‑SEER system will underperform if it’s too large, too small or improperly installed.
- Avoid using multiple inefficient window or room units when central or ductless systems are feasible; window units often lack high efficiency ratings and cost more to run per room.
- Recognize that efficiency isn’t just the equipment but the installation quality: proper ductwork, calibration and system fit matter just as much as the rating.
Start With ENERGY STAR Certified AC Units
The ENERGY STAR seal is a government-approved label certifying your new appliance has met or surpassed certain federal energy efficiency requirements while maintaining the performance levels you would expect from your new system. You should definitely make sure your new system carries the ENERGY STAR seal, but this isn’t the only thing to look for with your new AC installation.
Choose AC Systems With a High SEER Rating
The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) for air conditioners in our area is 14 (and it’s 13 in many colder states). Air conditioners need a SEER of 15 to get the ENERGY STAR seal. And yet, there are air conditioners with SEERs of 16, 17, 18, and even higher!
The SEER is measured by testing the system to determine the average energy usage in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels, making it a good measure of a systems efficiency.
Ensure Professional Installation For Peak Energy Efficiency
We must start by saying that a window AC unit is simply not an efficient AC installation. It only cools one room at a time, and you need several for your whole home. Running several units will certainly raise your bills. Window units are not held to the same efficiency ratings as central air conditioners, and they can raise energy bills quickly.
Professional installation is a must for your new central air conditioning system or ductless AC system. Professional HVAC technicians will measure the unit first to make sure that it is the right fit for your home. A system that’s slightly bigger or smaller than it needs to be cannot run efficiently, no matter the SEER.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What defines an energy‑efficient AC installation?
Answer: An energy‑efficient AC installation includes selecting a system with a high SEER rating, ensuring it meets energy certification standards, and having it professionally installed to match your home’s size and layout. Proper installation helps the system operate efficiently and last longer.
Question: What efficiency rating should I look for when purchasing a new air conditioner?
Answer: Look for a unit with an ENERGY STAR label and a SEER rating of 15 or higher. Systems with SEER ratings of 16–18 or more offer even greater efficiency and can significantly lower your energy bills over time.
Question: Why is professional installation so important for AC efficiency?
Answer: A professional installer ensures the system is properly sized for your home, sealed correctly, and integrated with your ductwork. Even the most efficient unit won’t perform well if it’s installed incorrectly or is too large or small for the space.
Question: Why might a window‑style air conditioner be less efficient overall?
Answer: Window AC units typically cool only one room and often lack the efficiency ratings of central systems. Using several to cool a whole house can lead to higher energy use and greater overall costs compared to a central or ductless system.
Give AC Designs Inc. a call for AC installation in Mandarin. We will deliver above your expectations!