Are you wondering who makes the most energy efficient AC? Thinking about getting an ultra-efficient air conditioning system for your home?
The good news is that lots of manufacturers make very energy efficient air conditioners.
The slightly inconvenient news is that it's kind of difficult to say who, for sure, has the most energy efficient air conditioning system of the lot.
Plus, you've also got to consider the different types of air conditioners out there. For instance, are you looking for the most efficient AC unit with ducts or just the most efficient AC available, regardless of type?
Let's dig into these questions with the aim of identifying the most energy efficient AC available for your home!
What makes an AC energy efficient?
Thanks to evolving federal standards, air conditioning systems have become more efficient over time.
As far as the units themselves are concerned, there are three main factors that contribute to an air conditioning system's real-world operating efficiency:
- Refrigerant type: Modern refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B transfer heat more efficiently than the refrigerants used by past air conditioners, such as R-410A and R-22.
- Materials: Gradual improvement of certain materials, such as coils, has enabled more efficient heat transfer in air conditioning systems.
- Modulation: AC compressors that modulate between higher and lower stages of cooling use significantly less energy than old fashioned, single stage compressors that can only run at maximum capacity.
Then there's the way you use an air conditioner. Setting your thermostat to 73 degrees will use a lot more energy than setting it to 77 degrees. Aside from buying an air conditioner with energy efficient components and features, you can set it in a way that consumes less energy.
Note: Regardless of AC features, it's absolutely essential that your air conditioning system is the right size for your home. Insist that your HVAC contractor perform a Manual J load calculation prior to selecting new equipment. This step is not optional! Otherwise, you could end up with an oversized air conditioner that never meets its promised efficiency benchmarks.
Most energy efficient central air conditioning system
To help consumers identify energy efficient air conditioners, the U.S. Department of Energy requires manufacturers to publish the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER2) for every air conditioner or heat pump sold in the United States.
For our climate zone, the current minimum SEER2 for air conditioners is 14.3 (equivalent to 15 SEER using the pre-2023 metric).
Thankfully, there are lots of air conditioners and heat pumps with a SEER2 that exceeds the minimum standard. Carrier, for example, makes the Infinity® Variable Speed Central Air Conditioner with Greenspeed®, a 21 SEER2 unit that's vastly more efficient than a standard system!
This type of central air conditioning system is a fantastic example of an ultra-efficient, high-SEER2 unit that you can select for your home.
Why is it so efficient?
In addition to using the efficient R-454B refrigerant, the main thing that makes the Carrier Infinity® AC so efficient is its modulating, variable speed compressor.
If efficiency is important to you, getting an air conditioner with a variable speed compressor is so worth it. These systems:
- Ramp up and down to meet your precise heating and cooling needs
- Spend more time running at low speeds, which consume less energy
- Run for longer cycles, so you avoid the massive energy suck from systems that turn on and off all the time for shorter cycles
- Excel at removing humidity, allowing you to set your thermostat higher and still feel more comfortable than with a standard system
All systems with variable speed compressors will be more efficient than systems with single stage or two stage compressors. This is true regardless of manufacturer.
Most energy efficient air conditioning system available
So, the Carrier Infinity® air conditioner is among the most efficient central air conditioning systems you can get. But is it the most efficient air conditioner, period?
Nope! That honor goes to the ductless mini-split heat pump, which can heat your home in addition to cooling it.
Ductless mini-split systems also use energy efficient refrigerants, energy efficient components, and variable speed compressors. But they're more efficient than most central systems because of one extra special feature.
They don't use ducts.
Why is it so efficient?
Since ductless mini-splits are, well, ductless, no energy is lost through a duct system before the cool air enters your living space.
Energy loss via ducts is always going to happen with a ducted system. Even in the most tightly sealed, well insulated ductwork, some air is lost and some heat is gained between the AC's blower and the home's supply registers.
When you use a ductless mini-split system, you're getting all of the cool air that AC produces. Nothing goes to waste!
These systems don't need ducts because the indoor unit is installed inside your living space, typically on a wall or the ceiling. They are small, quiet, and ultra energy-efficient.
The most efficient ductless mini-split unit in Carrier's product line is the Infinity® Mini-Split Heat Pump with Basepan Heater. It's got a SEER2 of 35.1.
The thing is, mini-split systems are rarely used for someone's entire house. Typically, they're installed when you need:
- Supplemental cooling and heating in an uncomfortable room
- Additional air conditioning for an addition you built onto your home
- AC and heat for a detached building, such as a workshop or garage
So if your home has a central AC system with ducts, you probably won't be replacing it with a mini-split heat pump. While it's possible to outfit your home with mini-split units, that's a bigger project than many people want to take on. Plus, it doesn't take advantage of your home's existing HVAC infrastructure.
Conclusion: Variable speed compressors and a high SEER2 are the best indicators of AC efficiency
If you're looking for the most energy efficient AC for your home, be sure to select a unit with a variable speed compressor. These models typically have a very high SEER2 as well.
At the time of publication, Georgia homeowners can also qualify for thousands of dollars in rebates for buying an energy efficient air conditioner or heat pump! It has never been more affordable to purchase a high-efficiency system!
If you live in Metro Atlanta and are planning to replace your AC unit with an energy efficient model, PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help! Give us a call today at (404) 798-9672 or schedule an appointment online!
