Are Newer AC Units More Energy Efficient?

Your air conditioning unit gulps a significant portion of your monthly electricity bill. However, advancements in cooling technology mean that the total energy consumption of air conditioners is on a steady decline.

So, are newer AC units more energy efficient? The answer is a resounding yes. According to the Department of Energy, you can save 20% to 40% in energy costs by switching to a newer, more modern air conditioning unit, even if your existing unit is less than ten years old.

As Hillsdale's air conditioning replacement service experts, we've seen this play out time and again. But why are new units more energy efficient? 

Why Newer AC Units Are More Energy Efficient

Below are some of the reasons it's more beneficial to buy a newer AC unit:

Construction Related Improvements

Technology continues to improve at a rapid pace everywhere you look. Your formerly trusty ten-year-old top-of-the-line Blackberry phone will seriously come up short against today's mid-rangers. Cars from 20 years ago have their work cut out against the average modern car. 

Similarly, an air conditioner released by manufacturers today will perform better than one from more than a decade ago. Even small improvements in components can significantly impact the air conditioner's energy efficiency.

New Refrigerant

Air conditioners installed before 2010 feature a refrigerant known as R-22 (Freon). Manufacturers no longer use this refrigerant because it contributes to ozone depletion. The replacement, R410A, is better for the environment. It can also improve an air conditioner's efficiency because it's a lot better at heat transfer.

Higher SEER Ratings

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a measure of an air conditioner's efficiency over a cooling season. Manufacturers use the rating to communicate the energy efficiency of central air conditioners, mini-split systems, and heat pumps.

Looking at the SEER, you can predict your system's energy consumption over the entire summer. Keep in mind that the SEER rating won't consider temperature averages in different areas. However, most new air conditioners have a higher SEER rating than older units. The higher you go on the scale, the higher the energy savings you'll enjoy.

You can find new air conditioners with SEER ratings of up to 24. So, when people ask, "Are newer AC units more energy efficient?" we often point them to the SEER ratings of the newer units compared to the ones they are considering replacing.

Compatibility With Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are an improvement on programmable thermostats. They can understand your cooling routine, changing your air conditioner's energy consumption to reflect your cooling needs over time. You can also control the thermostat remotely from your mobile phone.

Smart thermostat manufacturers claim that these nifty gadgets can improve your air conditioner's energy efficiency by up to 15% to 23%, and it's easy to see why. Most of them have features like geofencing, motion sensing, and scheduling.

Thus, you can count on your thermostat to lower the temperature when you're at home and to increase it when you're away.

The remote functionality means you can turn off the air conditioning completely when you're away at work and turn it back on just as you're about to head home. You won't have to endure uncomfortable temperatures as you wait for your home to get cold enough.

Variable Speed Motors

Variable speed motors are some of the most important energy-saving features of modern air conditioners that you won't find on older units. With this configuration, your air conditioner will not have to work consistently at a specific speed to maintain your home's temperature. Instead, the fan motor can increase and drop speed as needed.

With the variable motor, your thermostat can automatically reduce your unit's fan speed after your home has attained your desired temperature without causing a drastic change in the temperature. It can also kick back in as necessary.

If the speed drops by half, your air conditioner will only use an eighth of the energy required to run the fan at full speed. That's a significant amount of energy saving that's hard to ignore for anyone serious about lowering their energy consumption.

Two-Stage Compressors

Modern air conditioners have two-stage compressors, which contribute to their higher energy efficiency. The compressors have a medium/high or low/high configuration. Air conditioners with these compressors function on the low or medium setting most of the time; switching to the high setting when you (or your thermostat) signifies a need for lower temperatures.

During manageable temperatures, the two-stage compressor will switch to the low setting to keep the humidity levels low and keep you cool. As the temperature heats up, it will switch to the high-power mode to keep your home cool.

Unlike the single-speed compressor, a two-stage compressor doesn't need to start and stop multiple times while your air conditioner is in use. That persistent stop-and-start often means more energy usage and a significant strain on the air conditioner's parts.

So, with a two-stage compressor, your air conditioner will vary the cooling output, using up far less energy. You'll also spend less money on repairs and parts replacement.

Choosing the Right New Air Conditioner

The two most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a new air conditioner are the size of your home and the SEER rating.

If you choose an air conditioner that's too big or too small for your home, you'll most likely miss out on any possible energy savings. You'll also end up spending money on a replacement earlier than you may have planned.

Find the Perfect Modern Air Conditioner for Your Home

We hope the article has shown you why the answer to "Are newer AC units more energy efficient?" is a strong yes. Modern AC systems can lower your energy bill and can save you money on repairs. Do you have any further questions on the energy efficiency of new air conditioners? Are you looking for a contractor you can trust to install the new air conditioner in your home?

Call the Gladiator Services team in Hillside, NJ, today at 201-419-6090 to book an appointment. We can also help you dispose of your old air conditioner and provide a range of related services.