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Air Conditioners (Central)

Shopping and Usage Tips

Before You Shop

Many government agencies are offering rebates and trade-ins of older models to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient units. Find out if your state energy office or local utility offers any such deals. You could end up saving $75 or more on your purchase.

Even so, the greenest method of cooling your home involves creative home design rather than an energy-hogging appliance. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, about 50 percent of all electricity used in the United States during peak summer months is devoted to powering air conditioners. So before you start your search for a new, more efficient unit, consider the following simple home improvements:

-Buy a ceiling fan or window box fan.

-If you live in a dry climate, install a whole-house fan in your attic; it consumes one-tenth as much power as an air conditioner.

-Close your blinds and windows during peak sunlight/heat hours and open your windows at night. Circulate cooler evening air into your house using fans.

-Plant shade trees or trellised vines on the western and eastern sides of your home to reduce heat absorption.

-Use energy-efficient landscaping to help cool your home's exterior. Dense clusters of plants and bushes close to a home's exterior walls have a greater cooling effect.

-Install awnings and roof overhangs.

-Add light-colored, textured or reflective roof and wall materials.

-Choose energy-efficient indoor lighting and appliances to reduce the amount of indoor waste heat produced by these devices.

-Seal and caulk walls and windows to prevent cold-air leaks.

-Add low-emittance (low-E) glazing to windows to prevent heat transfer.

Shopping Tips

Avoid buying a used air conditioner or attempting to fix an older model. Unless it is a fairly new unit, the upfront savings will end up costing you more in higher energy bills, not to mention the negative impact on the planet in the form of increased CO2 emissions.

If you live in a very humid climate, look for models that are good at removing moisture. Manufacturers usually report the rate of water removal in pints per hour. Compare the rates of various energy-efficient models to find the best one for your needs (because keeping condenser coils warmer improves efficiency, some high-efficiency models may not dehumidify as well as less efficient models), and consider adding a carbon filter to reduce humidity.

At the store, compare the energy consumption and usage costs of one model to another using the yellow "EnergyGuide" label on the product.

Installation

When installing a central-air unit, hire a reliable contractor. Even the most efficient model will perform poorly if not installed correctly. Make sure your contractor calculates your required cooling capacity, and be sure to negotiate a maintenance plan with him/her as part of your contract. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and consumer-affairs office to find out if there have been any major complaints against a particular contractor before you sign, or consult the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (www.acca.org) to find a North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and Energy Star-certified contractor.

Smart Use Tips

After you purchase a new unit, improve its efficiency by doing the following:

-Install a programmable thermostat so you can better control usage.

-Set the temperature relative to the temperature outside, rather than to a temperature you think feels comfortable.

-At night, use your air conditioner's fan-only mode

-Use the recirculate option instead of constantly cooling hot air from outdoors.

-Turn the air conditioner off when you're out and close vents in unused rooms.

-Check your filter every month, especially during the summer when usage is high. Clean reusable filters, or replace disposable ones, every three months, or whenever they look dirty.

-Have the contractor do regular inspections to ensure that there are no refrigerant or duct leaks, and clean the coils and drainage system.

Disposal

If you are replacing an old unit, make sure to safely dispose of the old one to prevent harmful refrigerants from entering landfills. When purchasing a new room air-conditioner, look for manufacturers and dealers that offer a take-back or end-of-life collection program. In general, they will safely dispose of your older model, often regardless of the maker, when you purchase one of their new appliances. Otherwise, contact the public works department in your city and ask about home-appliance recycling or refrigerant-recovery programs. Your contractor should be equipped with a refrigerant-recovery system, and a certified mechanic can safely remove refrigerants from the old equipment.