Summer is a time to chase rainbows and spread joy. But hot summer months also come with every homeowner’s dreaded predicament – to cut down on energy costs while also staying cool and comfortable in their home. 

While this may sound difficult to balance, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With the advent of energy-efficient air conditioning systems, it’s possible to save energy costs while staying comfortable all summer long. 

If you want to know how energy-efficient your air conditioning system is and how to improve its efficiency further, keep reading. 

How Energy Efficient Is My Air Conditioning System? 

Energy efficiency means achieving the same effect with less energy consumption. But figuring out whether your air conditioning system is energy-efficient is a slightly more complicated question. 

In Australia, air conditioners are covered by mandatory energy efficiency requirements. The requirements state that: 

• Air conditioners must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards
• Non-ducted household air conditioners must carry a Zoned Energy Rating Label 

To find out your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, you should know how to read the Zoned Energy Rating Label. This label provides an energy rating for three climate zones – hot, average, and cold. The right side of the label provides the estimated annual energy use in kilowatt hours for each climate zone.

Once you’ve located your climate zone, check the star ratings for each climate zone on the Zone Energy Rating Label to compare the energy efficiency of similar-sized appliances. The greater the number of stars, the more efficient your air conditioner is, and the more money you will save each summer.

Keep in mind the most energy efficient air conditioners use about 30% to 50% less power to produce the same amount of cooling as older models. Even if your air conditioner is only ten years old, you may save a significant amount in energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Just make sure to employ energy efficient air conditioning installation by Alliance CC

How To Improve Energy Efficiency

The first step to having an energy-efficient air conditioning system is to know your climate. This can help you identify the best air conditioner for your location. 

Here are five other ways to improve your air conditioner’s energy efficiency. 

1. Pick The Right Size

When choosing a new air conditioner, pick a size that meets your needs. While air conditioners may look similar, they come in a wide range of cooling capacities, which can greatly impact their energy efficiency. 

Many factors will determine the right size of air conditioner you need. These are: 

• The space you are looking to cool. Ask yourself whether you’re looking to cool a small room, a larger space, or your entire home. 
• The climate of your area. If you live in a cool climate, you will need a model that can cope with the cold. 
• The features of your building. The right size of your air conditioner will also depend on your window spaces, wall material, and insulation. 

If your appliance is too small, it will have to work harder to cool your space. This could mean it will not be able to maintain the right temperature or will have a shorter lifespan. If your air conditioner is too big for your space, this will cost you more, both in upfront charges and running costs in the long run. 

For this reason, it’s essential to select an appropriately-sized air conditioner so you can have an energy-efficient conditioning system and stay cool without breaking the bank. 

2. Check Your Insulation 

Efficient operation of an air conditioning system relies on a well-insulated and air-sealed space. Even a tiny air leak in a window or doorway can dramatically increase the cost of cooling, so make sure your space is properly insulated. 

Keep in mind that if the space is poorly insulated, the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system will not matter – you’ll still end up wasting energy. If you want to be extra careful, call an HVAC professional to check your home insulation.

3. Proper Installation

How your air conditioning system is installed also impacts its efficiency. If the unit is incorrectly installed, it can perform as poorly as old, inefficient models. 

When installing a new air conditioning unit, ensure that your contractor does the following. 

• Leaves adequate space for the maintenance of the system
• Insulates ducts using duct mastic 
• Ensures the right number of supply and return air registers for proper airflow through the conditioning unit 
• Place the conditioning unit where nearby objects do not block it 
• Place the thermostat away from the heat sources, such as supply registers or windows. 

4. Properly Operating Your Air Conditioner 

Operating your air conditioner the right way can also improve energy efficiency and help you save costs. Here are some tips to keep in mind. 

• Set your air conditioner’s temperature as high as possible in the summer. The lower the difference between the indoor/outdoor temperatures, the lower the energy consumed and the lower your energy bill. 
• Don’t start your thermostat at a colder setting than normal – this does not cool your home faster and only adds unnecessary expenses to your bill. 
• Use an interior fan alongside your air conditioner to spread the cold air through your room. 
• If the humidity is high, set your AC fan speed on low for more comfort and to cool your space more effectively. 

5. Seek Expert Advice 

If your air conditioning unit is old and consumes too much energy, it may be time for an upgrade. While a new unit may seem like a large investment, an energy-efficient air conditioning system can actually save you thousands in energy costs in the long run, all while keeping your home cool and comfortable in the hot summer months. 

You can consider contacting expert technicians at Alliance for advice on the right air conditioner for your home, expected running costs, and how to go about properly installing it.