How Energy-Efficient AC Systems Keep You Cool and Save You Money
Discover how an energy-efficient AC system can lead to increased comfort as well as energy savings.
By Anne Fonda
If you’re in the market for a new central air conditioner, you’re smart to be doing your research. Learn about the factors that make an energy-efficient AC unit a smart choice for your comfort and your wallet.
Why does HVAC energy efficiency matter?
An energy-efficient HVAC system will keep you more comfortable at a lower cost. When you reduce your energy consumption, that generally results in lower heating and cooling bills. For you, the biggest impacts are on your comfort and your wallet.
But energy-efficient HVAC systems also put less pressure on the electric grid, which can result in fewer power outages during peak periods as well as reduced carbon emissions if your electricity comes from a power plant that burns fossil fuels to generate electricity.
Reduced carbon emissions help reduce the effects of climate change as well as reduce air pollution.
How does an energy-efficient air conditioner save energy?
We can’t speak for the other guys, but Trane air conditioners have durability and energy efficiency built in, especially our multi-speed and variable speed AC units. It boils down to SEER2 and EER2 ratings, the number of cooling stages, and humidity control.
Higher SEER2 and EER2 mean more efficient cooling
An air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) measures its average cooling efficiency over the entire cooling season, over a range of temperatures from 65°F to 104°F. A unit’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2) measures its cooling efficiency at peak cooling need, when the temperature is 95°F.
The higher the numbers, the more energy-efficient the AC unit is. Our most energy-efficient air conditioner, the 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Air Conditioner with WeatherGuard™, features a SEER2 rating of up to 23.6 and an EER2 rating of up to 14, providing optimal comfort.
Replacing an old central AC unit with a low SEER2 rating with a new, energy-efficient AC unit will help save energy and save money on your cooling bills.
More cooling stages mean more efficiency
An AC unit uses the most power when it cycles on. So, a single-stage air conditioner, or even a two-stage AC unit, can use a lot of power as they turn on and off more frequently.
Contrast that with a multi-speed system or a premium variable-speed system. They run for a longer time at lower speeds, using the minimum amount of energy to provide enhanced comfort. While a single-stage unit runs at 100% capacity whenever it’s on, our variable-speed units can run at 30-100% capacity, depending on your set temperature and the temperature outside.
Higher SEER2 and EER2 ratings go hand-in-hand with multi-speed and variable-speed air conditioning systems.
Superior humidity control makes it feel cooler even at a higher temperature
Our variable-speed and multi-speed air conditioners offer enhanced humidity control, as well. Why does that matter? Because lower humidity can make your home feel cooler.
Think about those first hot spring days where the temperature is 82°F and the humidity is between 40% and 50%. Contrast that with a summer morning where the temperature is 82°F, but the humidity is 90%.
Your smartphone will tell you the “feels like” temperature is hotter than the actual temperature. According to the National Weather Service heat index calculator, even though it’s 82%, it feels like 91.5°F. Hot and sticky.
The same principle holds inside your home. If you have lower indoor humidity, it will feel cooler. Superior dehumidification in the summer can allow you to set a higher indoor temperature and still feel comfortable. That can save you money on your cooling bills.
How do I choose the right energy-efficient AC unit?
Getting a new air conditioning system isn’t as simple as placing an Amazon order. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get the right central air conditioner for your home.
1. Do your homework
You’re off to a good start by exploring the Trane blog. Learn about your current system – brand, age, efficiency ratings, etc. by looking at the owner’s manual or the outdoor unit nameplate. You can Google the brand and model number to learn about a unit’s specifications.
Read up on HVAC efficiency metrics and the top signs it’s time for AC replacement.
2. Get multiple quotes
Just like you would with any big home improvement, get multiple quotes from HVAC companies in your area. Not sure who to contact? Read our blogs on how to choose the right HVAC contractor and HVAC Replacement: What to Consider Before Signing a Contract.
3. Explore HVAC financing
Before you sign a contract, ask about HVAC financing, available tax credits, local utility rebates, and manufacturer’s rebates – anything that can make installing an energy-efficient AC system more affordable. While the most energy-efficient systems will cost more upfront than less efficient models, you should be able to save energy (and money) for years to come.
Do I need to replace my furnace at the same time?
Maybe. To get the best performance from a new central air conditioner, it needs to be paired with a compatible indoor unit – whether that’s a gas furnace or an air handler. If your indoor HVAC unit is only a few years old, you may be able to find an energy-efficient AC unit that will work well with it.
However, if your indoor unit is 10 years or older, you may be better off replacing the whole HVAC system at one time. In some cases, the manufacturer’s warranty may require this. Learn more about HVAC replacement and what you might need to do to ensure your future comfort.
Work with the leader in energy-efficient HVAC systems
Trane is a trusted leader in residential heating and cooling systems. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners like you reduce your energy consumption and help reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Your local Trane dealer knows how energy-efficient and reliable our systems are, and can help you choose what’s right for your home.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Chelsea Hudson, Product Manager, Ducted Variable Speed Outdoor
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