Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Many old air conditioning units tend to be bulky and energy-intensive. They also often have lower efficiency ratings because they use inefficient compressors and harmful refrigerants, like R22.
If you want to switch to a more sustainable and eco-friendly air conditioning unit, that’s a great step towards green living. Opting for an energy-efficient AC unit is a good way to lower your carbon footprint while still benefiting from a cool and comfortable home.
That said, there are a plethora of A/C units that are marketed to be energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and cooling. The different A/C types, and the sheer number of models within these types, can be dizzying for a person weighing their options carefully.
If you find yourself at the crossroads of making a selection, we got you covered. This article will highlight the different energy-efficient AC units you can choose from and the benefits of each one. Then, we’ll show you the best of them all.
Let’s start!
6 Signs of a Non-Energy-Efficient AC Unit
Before you set out to the store to buy yourself a brand new A/C unit, know this: it’s better for the environment (and for your wallet) to stick with your current AC unit if there’s nothing wrong with it.
Buying a second AC unit can be seen as excessive, particularly if it’s meant to replace your older unit. However, if your current AC unit shows signs of inefficiency and energy-hogging tendencies, then getting a replacement is most likely the best option.
If you want to know what the signs to replace your current AC unit, review if your current unit suffers from either of the following:
- High energy usage: A suddenly high energy bill with no clear culprit may be your AC unit hogging more resources than it should.
- Constant on and off cycling: Inefficient A/C units tend to cycle automatically to maintain a constant temperature level. This is also a hallmark sign of an old unit—and replacing it with better inverter technology may be the better call here.
- Inconsistent cooling: If there’s inconsistency in the cooling effect in your room, then it could be because of a problem in the A/C unit. This may warrant an inspection or outright replacement.
- Poor humidity control: If your AC unit is unable to remove humidity in your room, then it could be a sign that it’s inefficient.
- Loud humming noise: While some A/C units tend to be loud, if the noise is jarringly loud and strained, then it’s an indicator that the internal components are inefficient and worn down.
- Old age: The average lifespan of an A/C unit is about 15 years. Getting a new one with better technology may be the better call as they have updated specs and energy efficiency.
If your A/C fits any of the above criteria, or multiple, then it may be best to have it inspected.
When diagnosing AC problems, it’s best to do it with a technician on the line. This way, you won’t misinterpret problems and spend more than you have to (or stick with an AC unit that’s sapping your electricity).
If the assessment has revealed that replacing the A/C unit is the only possible option, then get your wallet ready. It’s time for an upgrade.
What Are The Different Energy-Efficient A/C Units?
There have been a number of new A/C types that have entered the market in recent years. A lot of them are upgraded versions of their predecessors, being integrated with smart technology and energy-efficient features like Eco modes.
Any of these A/C units are viable options for households looking to improve their cooling, but each of them has its own distinct set of features, as well as an individual set of pros and cons. If you want to know the differences between each, read below to see it more clearly.
- Inverter Airconditioners: Inverter A/Cs are among the most energy-efficient units out there, boasting a 30-50% lower energy consumption than non-inverter models. This A/C type automatically adjusts its motor speed instead of switching it on and off, which helps keep it running optimally depending on the temperature needs.
- Split-system Airconditioners: Split systems cool a room at a faster rate than inverters, but they have a fixed compressor speed and can be quite noisy. While not as energy-efficient as inverters, they’re still up there—particularly with newer units.
- Ducted Airconditioners: If your building needs whole-property cooling, ducted A/Cs can be more energy-saving than using multiple non-energy-efficient ACs at once. These ducted ACs can also target areas in use and not in use, which can help save energy.
- Window Airconditioners: While a lot of window ACs are not energy efficient, a lot of new variants are built with advanced efficiency features. They may also come with programmable thermostats that can save energy if used in individual rooms.
- Portable Airconditioners: Outdoor cooling options like the portable AC are also efficient. Some models have an Eco Mode that saves energy while maintaining a stable set temperature. This option is great for places that don’t necessarily need a permanent AC installation.
Any of these A/C units can be ideal for people looking to improve their home’s energy-saving strategy.
Choosing The Best AC Unit
A cool home is a happy home. But ideally, the home needs to be cooled in a way that doesn’t contribute negatively to the environment.
There are many things to consider when buying a sustainable and energy-efficient AC unit. Here are the considerations you have to make:
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Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)
Also known as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) in the United States and other parts of the world, the ZERL rating depicts the efficiency levels of a temperature-controlling appliance, such as an AC unit.
The ZERL rating system is specific to the three distinct climate zones across Australia and New Zealand, but the premise is the same: the higher the number of stars on the label, the more efficient the temperature control unit.
The climate zones are hot, average and cold, and they pertain to the different climates experienced across the greater Australian continent.
This label is a yellow sticker often attached to the base A/C unit. This sticker also includes other details you may use for assessment, such as heating and cooling capacity in kilowatts, annual energy consumption, and noise in decibels.
If energy efficiency is your number one consideration, the appliance’s ZERL rating is the most important information you can use to assess an A/C unit’s environmental impact.
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Your Budget
Your budget is also something to keep in mind when picking an energy-efficient A/C unit. Typically, the most expensive type to install is a ducted A/C system—and this is quite an impractical choice for most households considering its price.
Moderately priced options are the split and inverter AC units. They are both the most energy-efficient options, with inverters being slightly cheaper and the most energy-efficient.
The two affordable AC units are portable and window AC units. Some window AC units can have a high ZERL rating and adequate cooling, but they’ll typically cost more than your standard run-of-the-mill window type.
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Your Home’s Space
Another consideration to make is the space your A/C unit is bound to occupy. Ducted A/C systems take up a lot of space, needing both ceiling and floor duct renovations.
Split systems and inverters are wall-mounted and need an additional outdoor space for the condenser unit. They also need to be connected to some piping which may run across the wall or flooring.
Window A/C units are the most compact, just needing a window space built specifically for it. Portable ACs are freestanding and portable, but they need access to some outdoor air to draw hot air out.
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Eco-Friendly Refrigerants
You should also consider the type of refrigerant your A/C unit is using. Some refrigerant types, like the aforementioned R-22, are ozone-depleting and can harm the environment. Make sure that your chosen AC type does not make use of this refrigerant type.
Instead, look out for eco-friendly refrigerants like R-32 and R410-A. These refrigerants are present in most modern air conditioners and help maintain a pleasant cooling effect without using too much energy—making them a spectacular and sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.
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Smart Features
Lastly, opt to find AC units with built-in smart features. WiFi connectivity allows you to control the temperature from your smartphone, allowing you to adjust at will.
Some features also allow users to track energy usage or activate eco mode when a certain temperature is reached. This helps give you precious data on your energy habits and lower the power consumption of your appliance, respectively.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
