Finding the best energy-efficient air conditioner for your home starts with proper sizing. You want to make sure that you purchase a unit that can effectively cool your entire home without having to work harder than necessary. If the unit is too small for your home, you won’t enjoy much savings on utility bills and there is a good chance that the unit will wear out much faster. At the same time, if the unit is too big, it will leave the air feeling damp and your home won’t be as comfortable.

You will also want to look for options that offer plenty of programmable features. This will allow you more control over the temperature and work to create a more efficient home. For example, you can program the AC unit to allow the temperature to rise to a certain point when you aren’t at home and have the temperature drop again when you expect to be back. This is a great feature for vacations or daily use if you work outside the home.

In addition, many modern AC units come with apps so that you can program and adjust your air conditioner from your smartphone. These apps can also send you important maintenance reminders and notify you if there is a problem or malfunction. Some brands even offer subscription plans so that a technician will also be notified in the event of an issue. You can essentially automate your entire cooling system, which not only makes it more convenient but also more efficient.

Another feature to consider is an energy-saving setting. When your home is cooled to the right temperature, both the compressor and the fan will turn off. This is another simple way to conserve energy and reduce your costs.

In addition to looking for the ENERGY-STAR logo, you will also want to shop for AC units with a high Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER). In the past, air conditioners could have a SEER as low as 3 or 4. Today, AC units will range from 14 to 25 and most will offer around a 20 SEER. Keep in mind that AC units with a high SEER rating will also come with a higher price tag. You will certainly save more over time, but the most energy-efficient models will require more of an initial investment.

At the same time, energy-efficient AC units often come with manufacturer rebates and tax credits. You may be eligible for additional savings that can help offset the purchase price and make the investment more affordable.

To truly maximize energy efficiency, look for a variable-speed air conditioner. Traditionally, when the AC unit works to cool your home, it will work as hard as possible till the air reaches the right temperature. With a variable speed air conditioner, the compressor uses less force and gradually cools the air.

It is similar to the miles per gallon (MPG) rating for cars. If you are driving along and the speed limit goes from 45 mph to 60 mph, you may be tempted to punch the accelerator and reach top speed as soon as possible. However, if you slowly apply pressure and allow the car to gradually speed up to 60 mph, you will be maximizing your car’s efficiency and reducing your gas consumption. Most AC units have been designed to punch the gas, but newer variable speed options will help you get the most out of an efficient unit.

If you still aren’t sure if it is worth it to invest in a new AC unit, you may want to consider the cost of repairs and equipment. If you have an older model, you may find that you are having to call a repair technician more often. These visits can add up over time and also mean that you are having to deal with an uncomfortable home. With a newer air conditioner, you won’t have to deal with repairs and if there is an issue, your unit is probably still under warranty.

Repairing an older AC unit can also be expensive because parts will be harder to find. When supply is low prices go up and you may have to wait even longer as your repair technician hunts down the right equipment.