How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly AC for You?

Staying cool in hot weather is a struggle, but having an air conditioner pretty much solves the problem.

What’s better is having an eco-friendly AC. An eco-friendly air conditioner, besides ensuring your comfort, is good for both the environment and your wallet. These units are made to consume less energy, so the electricity bill is comparatively low. Besides these savings, they also help reduce carbon emissions by using environment-friendly refrigerants.

There are various options for an AC, ranging from energy-efficient central systems to compact window units. The right kind for you depends on factors like:

1.  The size of your space

2.  Energy consumption needs

3.  Budget

It has now become very easy to have this kind of environment-friendly air conditioning unit installed to fit your lifestyle and make a positive impact on the planet. To help you take a step in the right direction, here are some useful tips for choosing the right eco-friendly HVAC system and making the best use of it in the long run.

Consider The Energy Efficiency Rating

Energy efficiency should be your top priority when choosing an eco-friendly AC unit. It lowers monthly bills and is a smart long-term investment. The best way to identify energy-efficient products is by looking for the Energy Star rating. This label shows the product meets strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In Texas, where it gets very hot, an Energy Star-rated unit can help reduce costs.

Next, consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 or SEER2. This measures the AC unit's efficiency over a typical cooling season. A higher SEER2 rating means greater energy savings.

Hiring a professional AC installation service will not only help you decide which SEER2 rating is optimal for you but also ensure the best performance and efficiency from your unit, especially in Texas, where summer heat demands the best cooling.

Ensure You Pick the Right Size AC

Choosing the correct size AC for your home is important. If the unit is too small, it won't cool your space properly, leading to higher energy use and system wear. An oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify the house.

To determine the size of the AC unit you need, consider the square footage of the room. Usually, 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) are needed for every square foot of living space. So, a 500-square-foot room would require at least 10,000 BTUs. But in Texas, where the heat can be extreme, you might need a larger unit. Consulting an HVAC installation service can help ensure you get the right size, extending the unit's life and saving energy.

Choose Eco-Friendly Refrigerant

R-32 and R-410A are commonly used in Texas and throughout the U.S. They comply with federal regulations and have a lower impact on the environment. R-22, also known as Freon, was previously used but is now banned due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. R-32 and R410A are efficient at transferring heat and cooling homes faster in summer. These refrigerants are a good choice for reducing energy use.

Invest in Smart Features & Control

Smart thermostats and energy monitoring features allow you to control your AC better. Smart thermostats let you adjust the AC remotely through smartphone apps. Many models learn your schedule and adjust settings accordingly, which is convenient when returning home from work.

Energy monitoring shows how much energy your AC uses and tracks patterns to reduce waste. You can also set alerts for high usage. These features help homeowners use their eco-friendly ACs more efficiently. Professional services can help configure these features correctly.

Opt for Quiet Operation

One often-overlooked benefit of eco-friendly AC units is their quiet operation. These units have improved insulation and quieter compressors, unlike older models that can be noisy. This creates a more peaceful indoor environment, ideal for homes with AC near bedrooms or living areas. A quieter system is especially useful now, with more people working from home, as it minimizes disruptions during work, sleep, and relaxation.

Ensure Professional Installation & Regular Maintenance

The U.S. Department of Energy states that poor installation can reduce efficiency by 30%, leading to higher bills and more strain on the system, shortening its lifespan. Professional services ensure the correct size, sealing, and calibration during installation. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting ducts, can increase AC efficiency by up to 15%. Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing the system to work harder and consume more energy. Proper maintenance also helps detect small issues early, allowing for immediate fixes.

Choose an eco-friendly air conditioning unit by balancing factors like energy efficiency, size, refrigerant type, and smart features. Energy-efficient units can save around 20-40% on cooling costs, and having HVAC professionals ensure the correct size AC is installed will save you even more in the long run. Choosing between R-32 or R-410A refrigerants can help with regulations, reduce environmental impact, and lower energy bills. Smart thermostats and energy monitoring features can further reduce bills by 10-15% annually. Look for Energy Star certification or similar labels, and consult professionals for installation and maintenance to get optimal performance at a low cost.