Upgrade Air Conditioner
Air conditioning uses a lot of energy—about 19% of all the electricity in the U.S. If you have an older air conditioner, replacing it with a newer, high-efficiency model could reduce your AC energy use and bill by 15-50%!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Electricity costs are going up every year. If your summers are hot, the AC can add up to big energy bills. If you have an older air conditioner, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model will significantly lower your energy bills. It can also reduce climate and air pollution!
There are a few types of air conditioning systems—central, ductless, and window systems. If your AC is older, all of these systems can benefit from an upgrade to a more efficient model, providing you with savings of up to $300-$500 a year or more.
1Decide when to upgrade
Here are a few things to consider when deciding to upgrade. If you own your home, the best option is to get a Home Energy Checkup or talk with an HVAC contractor to get upgrade advice for your specific system and home.
If your unit is not working properly. If your AC is no longer cooling the house properly, like not cooling your space enough, cooling areas unevenly or requiring frequent repairs.
If your AC is older. If your air conditioner was built before 2006, a new high efficiency model can save 30-50% on energy use. Even if it is more than 10 years old, you can save up to 20% on energy costs. Air conditioning units generally last 8-10 years for a window unit and 15-20 years for a central system.
Upfront costs and payback time. If you have an older AC unit, you can save up to $150 or more a year for window units and up to $300-$500 a year or more for a central AC system. With an average cost of $200-$400 for each new window unit and $4,000 or more for a central unit, the payback time can be 3-5 years for a window unit and 10+ years for a central system. Ask for help at the store or from your HVAC contractor to estimate your savings and payback time based on your current model, how often you use it and the efficiency of the new model you are considering.
Add a heat pump. If you are upgrading your central AC, this is the perfect time to choose a heat pump! Heat pumps are highly efficient and provide both air conditioning and heating with one system. Heat pumps can save significantly on heating costs and work well even in cold climates. Heat pumps are also an important solution to reducing climate and air pollution, as they can use clean renewable electricity for heating instead of burning natural gas or fuel oil. Learn more on the Install Electric Heat Pump Heater action!
Efficiency first. Before you upgrade your home air conditioning system, consider making additional energy efficiency upgrades. Simple actions, like insulating your attic or sealing air leaks in your home, can lower the amount of energy you need to cool your home and you may be able to purchase a smaller sized system. A smaller system saves money on equipment, installation, and operation costs.
2Learn about air conditioning options
If you are ready to upgrade, there are a few things to consider. First, decide which type of system is best for your home. There are three types of air conditioning systems: central, small ductless mini-split and window or wall units. Here is more on each type:
Central air conditioning. There are two types of central air conditioning: split-system or packaged unit. In a split system, the compressor/condenser is outdoors and the evaporator is indoors. If your home already has a furnace but no air conditioner, a split system is the most economical to install. In a packaged unit, everything is outside. Packaged units often include a heating unit and eliminate the need for a separate furnace indoors.
Central units are more efficient than room units but more expensive to install. They are also out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Look for a system that is Energy Star rated at a minimum, and a higher SEER for greater savings. Check out the Energy.gov information on central air conditioning units and this Consumer Reports guide for more factors to consider.
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems. Mini-split systems are similar to packaged systems where everything is outside and the air ducts come in through the exterior wall to distribute either warm or cool air. However, these systems don’t require a duct system. They have small indoor units that attach to the wall to distribute air. They are small flexible systems that are good for zoning a home or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have up to four indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat so you can save energy and money. These systems are often easier to install and avoid the up to 30% energy losses that occur with central duct systems. For more information check out the Energy.gov guide.
Window units. Window units cool only the room they are in, which can make them less expensive to operate. These units are also rated by an energy efficiency ratio (EER). When buying look for the Energy Star label as a minimum guide. Proper sizing is important; an oversized unit can actually have poorer performance. Also, make sure to confirm your electrical system will meet the unit's requirements. For more information check out the Energy.gov guide.
Consider a new heat pump heating & cooling system. If your heating system is also in need of replacement, installing a heat pump system can provide both heating and cooling for just a bit more money than a new central cooling only system. It is also highly efficient and has a ductless version. If you want to replace wall units with a full home cooling system and don’t have a duct system, this is generally the way to go.
Also, learn more about air conditioning systems with the Energy.gov infographic.
3Choose a new AC system and install
If you are ready to upgrade, choose a system and install!
For central systems: Hire a contractor to help you choose the right system and install. Be sure to check references and get a few quotes before you choose. Learn more about central and heat pump heating and cooling systems at Energy.gov.
Window unit: Ask at your local store for help to compare your efficiency and size of your current system with new options to decide what unit is best for your needs. Follow all instructions for install and operation to get the best use and efficiency of your new unit. Learn more about window AC units at Energy.gov.
Maintain your system: Once you have installed your new system, make sure to maintain it for maximum efficiency, energy savings, and comfort!