How to Choose an Energy-Efficient AC: A Complete Guide

As people become more aware of their impact on the climate, it has led to a renewed focus on designing energy-efficient, sustainable practices. With the best energy-efficient AC units, Colorado homeowners can now support the environment while saving money on their energy costs. Additionally, energy-efficient air conditioners in Littleton can help filter out air pollution and provide a superior level of comfort for your family.

For many homeowners, the hardest part is deciding which air conditioner to get. By working with our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts, you can quickly determine the best AC capacity and energy rating for your family. Find out more by reaching out to Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical today.

Discover How Energy-Efficiency Metrics Work

If you are trying to learn how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, there are a few important terms you need to become familiar with. When gauging the energy efficiency of different devices, look at the unit’s SEER2 and EER ratings. More energy-efficient devices will have higher rating levels.

SEER2

The first term you need to understand is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2). SEER2 is an updated version of the original SEER formula. It considers how much heat is transferred by the HVAC system under real-world conditions. The best HVAC will have a higher SEER2 rating.

EER

Meanwhile, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) looks at the unit’s cooling capacity in relation to its power input. This is calculated using British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The HVAC system’s power input is calculated using watts.

Like SEER2 ratings, a higher EER rating represents a more efficient unit. The key difference between these two figures is that the EER looks at the unit’s efficiency at a specific, high temperature. In comparison, the SEER2 rating measures the air conditioner’s efficiency throughout its entire cooling season.

Types of Air Conditioners and Their Efficiency

During your search for energy-efficient air conditioners in Littleton or Denver, you’ll find several key types of air conditioners available. Each of these units is available in energy-efficient varieties, so the real question is which type works for your home’s existing ductwork, your overall budget, and your family’s comfort preferences.

• Central Air Conditioners: Central ACs are a popular option for Littleton and Denver homeowners. These cooling systems include an indoor and an outdoor device. Because part of the AC is outdoors, central ACs tend to be fairly quiet. They transmit air throughout your home using a network of ducts, so you’ll either need to have existing ductwork or you’ll need to install ductwork before getting a central AC. Once installed, central ACs are extremely energy-efficient.
• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are known for their versatility and energy efficiency. Like central ACs, they use a network of ducts to distribute cold air throughout your home. While central ACs use refrigerant to transfer heat to only the exterior of your home, heat pumps are able to move heat in both directions. Because of this, heat pumps can simultaneously heat and cool your home.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Ductless mini-splits are another popular, energy-efficient option. If you don’t have existing ducts, this device is an ideal choice. These units are typically installed in individual zones or bedrooms, making them ideal for mother-in-law suites and home offices. If you want to cool more than one zone, you’ll need to install additional units.

In addition to the options listed above, there are also smaller units available on the marketplace, like portable ACs and window units. However, these cooling options aren’t designed to work in large areas, making them unsuitable for many purposes. In general, you’ll achieve a better level of comfort and energy efficiency by installing ductless mini-splits, central ACs, or heat pumps.

Calculating the Appropriate AC Size

To maximize your energy efficiency results, you need to get an AC of the right size. If the AC’s capacity is too low, it will end up staying on for long periods. Eventually, this will cause premature breakdowns and costly repairs.

You also don’t want to get an AC that is too big for your home’s size. An oversized AC reaches the appropriate temperature and turns off too quickly, resulting in short cycling. Besides causing unnecessary wear on your AC, this process can also make your rooms feel clammy because the AC will reach the appropriate temperature before an adequate amount of moisture is removed from the air.

As a general rule, most homes need to get an AC that has a 1-ton to 5-ton capacity. A ton contains 12,000 BTUs per hour. You can use a basic calculator online to get a general idea about the capacity you’ll need. However, this basic calculator won’t take into consideration your home’s sun exposure, insulation, ceiling height, and other factors. To ensure the best AC size and capacity, schedule a consultation with one of our team members.

Top AC Features

While each family has different comfort preferences, there are a few common features you should look for as you shop for the best energy-efficient AC units.

• AC Capacity: To achieve a high level of energy efficiency and better HVAC longevity, you should always search for an AC that has the appropriate capacity for your home.
• ENERGY STAR: An easy way to find out if your HVAC system is energy-efficient or not is by checking for an ENERGY STAR logo. If your AC has an ENERGY STAR certification, then it will use significantly less energy. Switching to an ENERGY STAR-certified AC can save you up to 23% a year on cooling costs.
• Variable-Speed Compressors: A variable-speed compressor can modulate its cooling output instead of simply being on or off. As a result, units that have variable-speed compressors are more efficient in how they use energy.
• Smart Features: Smart thermostats, performance optimization features, remote monitoring, and similar options can save you a significant amount of money on your power bills. For instance, many smart thermostats have automated notifications that will alert you when a filter change is needed, helping you avoid wasted energy costs.
• Humidification: Denver and Littleton are known for having drier air. To improve your family’s comfort, you may want to invest in a humidifier.
• Programmable Thermostats: A smart thermostat can decrease your heating and cooling expenses by up to 8% per year. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can program the temperature to go up or down at different times of the day. As a result, you can avoid spending money on cooling your home when you’re at the office or working out at the gym.
• Noise Levels: When shopping for HVAC in Littleton, consider the noise level. Some units, like heat pumps and central ACs, are located outdoors, reducing the noise level inside your home. In general, newer or smaller units tend to operate more quietly than older, larger systems.
• Air Purification: Depending on your goals, you can install air purifiers that can reduce smoke particles, viruses, and mold spores from the air. As you search for a new AC, consider whether you want to get UV lights, HEPA filters, active carbon filtration, or other purification methods installed.

Best Practices for Installing and Maintaining Your AC

Besides learning how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, you should also learn the best tips for installing and maintaining your AC. Professionally installed ACs are more efficient and less likely to break down. In addition, many warranties require professional installation services in order to protect the validity of the warranty.

To keep your new AC working its best, we recommend getting a spring tune-up each year. During the AC tune-up, we can clean your coils, double-check your refrigerant levels, and lubricate the AC’s moving parts. With timely maintenance appointments, you can improve your AC’s efficiency and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

As a homeowner, there are a few things you can personally do to improve your energy efficiency. While each manufacturer has different recommendations, ACs generally need to have their filters changed or replaced every 30 to 90 days. Additionally, you should seal and insulate your home, preventing heat from getting inside.

Tips for Boosting Your Energy Efficiency

In addition to getting an energy-efficient HVAC system, there are a few important ways you can lower your energy costs each month.

• Ceiling Fans: With ceiling fans, you can feel comfortable at a warmer temperature. Additionally, ceiling fans circulate the air so that your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Lower the Thermostat: If you increase your thermostat settings by just 7°F to 10°F for eight hours each day, you can spend 10% less on your energy costs. This modification can have a major impact since the typical household devotes 13% of its energy expenses to cooling costs. As a general rule, the Department of Energy recommends setting your home’s thermostat between 75°F and 78°F for the best energy efficiency.
• Close Your Curtains and Blades: During the peak hours of sunlight each day, remember to shut your curtains and blinds to keep the sun from warming up your home. If you have older windows, you may want to replace them with ENERGY STAR-certified windows instead.
• Use Your Programmable Thermostat Settings: By getting a programmable thermostat, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills. These thermostats can be programmed to automatically raise or lower the temperature at different points in the day, decreasing the amount you spend on energy costs and maximizing your comfort.

Cost Considerations and ROI

When researching how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, you should also look at the return on investment (ROI). The typical homeowner spends $2,000 annually on energy costs, and around half of this amount is devoted to HVAC expenses. By switching to an energy-efficient unit, you can recuperate your upfront costs by spending less on your utilities.

Besides reducing your energy costs, the best energy-efficient AC units can also save you money through a range of credits and rebates. For example, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit will give you a credit of up to $2,000 back for getting an energy-efficient heat pump.

Colorado also has another incentive option available with the Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit. The program requires homeowners to use registered contractors. Then, it provides a discount on the heat pump of up to 33.33%. The incentive allows for up to $1,500 for air-source heat pumps and $3,000 for ground-source heat pumps.

Environmental Impact

While energy-efficient air conditioners in Littleton and Denver will save you money in the long run, they also have many important environmental benefits.

• Better Carbon Footprint: When you get energy-efficient HVAC in Littleton, you can significantly lower your carbon footprint. Colorado produces 32% of its power by burning coal, so any reduction in energy consumption can help the natural environment.
• Reduced Demand on Power Plants: Electrical grids are made with baseline and peak power sources. Baseline power sources, like hydroelectric and nuclear power, tend to be difficult to bring online quickly, which is why coal and natural gas are often used when demand increases suddenly. By reducing the amount of power you consume, you can help your state lower the amount of power it needs from dirty fuel sources during peak demand times.
• Safer Refrigerant Sources: At the start of 2025, R-410A was banned from usage in newly installed equipment, but it can still be used to service and maintain older units. By switching to a new AC installation, you can make sure your home is using a safer refrigerant type.
• Support Environmental Sustainability: By investing in the best energy-efficient AC units, you can improve your environmental impact and support Colorado’s sustainability goals.

Get Help Discovering the Best Energy-Efficient Cooling System in Littleton

If you are looking for the top energy-efficient air conditioners in Littleton, our team of HVAC experts is here to help. From top-of-the-line heat pumps to state-of-the-art ductless mini-splits, we can discuss the best options for your home. One of our HVAC technicians will determine the ideal AC capacity for your rooms and estimate the energy cost savings you can expect with each option.

Learn more about AC installations by calling our team today.