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

In today’s climate-conscious world, achieving the best energy efficiency has become an increasingly important goal for Oregon homeowners. In addition to protecting the environment, selecting the best energy-efficient air conditioners in Bend will also help you save money on energy costs, improve your family’s comfort, and filter out harmful contaminants from the air. 

However, figuring out how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner can be challenging. If you aren’t familiar with energy-efficiency ratings or calculating your AC capacity, we can help. Learn more by giving Central Oregon Heating, Cooling & Electrical a call today.

Understanding Energy Efficiency Metrics

When researching the best energy-efficient AC units, you’ll hear about SEER2, EER, and other terms. While there are some variations in how SEER2 and EER are calculated, they both reflect how energy-efficient your AC is. Ideally, you want to find a unit that has a high SEER2 or EER2 rating. 

SEER2

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2) is an updated version of SEER that looks at how much heat is transferred by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Thanks to the updated calculation measures, SEER2 is a better reflection of real-world conditions. If you’re researching HVAC in Bend, you should look for the highest SEER2 possible because this indicates a better energy-efficiency level.

EER

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) represents the unit’s cooling capacity to its power input. For the cooling capacity, we use British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The power input is represented by watts. Today, EER2 is used because it is a more effective representation of the unit’s efficiency. While SEER2 looks at the unit’s efficiency throughout the cooling season, EER analyzes the AC’s efficiency at a specific, high outdoor temperature.

Types of Air Conditioners and Their Efficiency

If you’re looking at HVAC in Bend, there are a few different options you can choose from. In addition to central air conditioners, you can also install ductless mini-splits or heat pumps.

• Central Air Conditioners: When most people think about ACs, the image of a central air conditioner normally comes to mind first. This device has an indoor and outdoor unit that uses refrigerant lines to transfer heat outside of your home. Central air conditioners require ductwork to move air, so you’ll need to have ducts installed in your home if you don’t already have them.
• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps also rely on ductwork to transfer heat outside of your home. However, the HVAC system is also capable of moving heat in the other direction, allowing you to use heat pumps for all of your heating and cooling needs. 
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Unlike central ACs and heat pumps, ductless mini-splits aren’t designed to use ductwork. Instead, they are installed in individual rooms or zones to provide personalized temperature control. For this reason, ductless mini-splits are popular in offices, studies, and mother-in-law suites.

Although window and portable AC units are available on the market, these are generally not the most efficient options for your entire home. If you want to enjoy the best energy savings, heat pumps, central air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits are generally your best bets.

Sizing Your Air Conditioner Correctly

For the best energy-efficient AC units, you need the right size and capacity. An oversized unit will reach the ideal temperature too quickly, causing it to shut off too soon. This type of short cycling can lead to premature wear. Additionally, oversized units reach the ideal temperature before an adequate amount of moisture is removed from the air, potentially making your home feel clammy. Meanwhile, overly small units break down prematurely because they stay on for excessively long periods of time.

Most homes need a unit with a 1-ton to 5-ton capacity. A single ton contains 12,000 BTUs per hour. While you can calculate the basic capacity your home needs online, there are other factors that must be considered as well. Your rooms’ insulation, sun exposure, ceiling height, the number of windows, and the number of occupants can all play a role in determining the AC capacity you need. 

Because of this, you should schedule a professional consultation about the energy capacity your home will require. One of our HVAC technicians will come out to analyze your rooms, the climate, and other contributing factors to carefully determine the exact AC capacity you will need.

Key Features to Look For

Although every home has unique requirements, there are a few common energy-efficiency factors and terms you should understand as you begin your research.

• ENERGY STAR: To see if your unit has a good EER2 or SEER2, check the ENERGY STAR logo. An ENERGY STAR-certified AC must have a high energy-efficiency level.
• AC Capacity: The AC capacity needs to be the right size for your home to minimize wear and ensure the best energy efficiency.
• Variable-Speed Compressors: With a variable-speed compressor, the AC can modulate its output instead of simply switching on and off. As a result, it can achieve better efficiency and performance.
• Programmable Thermostats: By installing a smart thermostat, you can lower your heating and cooling costs by as much as 8% annually. These thermostats allow you to program different temperatures for each part of your schedule, which means you can use less energy when you’re away from home.
• Smart Features: Smart features, like remote monitoring, smart thermostats, and performance optimization, can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills. For instance, performance optimization allows you to achieve more precise temperature control. With some ACs, you can also get automated notifications and diagnoses, alerting you about dirty filters and other problems.
• Air Purification: When shopping for energy-efficient air conditioners in Bend, consider the air purification level you need. HEPA filters, UV lights, and active carbon filtration are all great ways to ensure cleaner, healthier air in your home.
• Humidification: In Central Oregon, the high desert climate can have a fairly low humidity level. To improve your AC’s efficiency and boost your overall comfort, consider investing in a humidifier.
• Noise Levels: Finally, you should consider the noise level of different AC models and brands. For instance, older or larger ACs are often louder. Newer, more advanced technology has led to quieter ACs, so getting the latest cooling system can help you have a quieter experience.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve learned how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, the next step is figuring out the best methods for installing and maintaining it. A professional installation is important for ensuring your cooling system achieves the optimal performance level possible. Additionally, many HVAC warranties require professional installations to maintain the warranty’s validity.

Even the best AC needs consistent maintenance in order to achieve the best performance possible. As a homeowner, you should change or replace the filter every 30 to 90 days. Normally, the AC manufacturer will specify how long you can go between filter changes.

More complicated maintenance tasks should be left to the professionals. During your spring maintenance appointment, our HVAC technician can clean the condenser and evaporator coils of your unit. We’ll also check the refrigerant levels and inspect the AC for any signs of wear.

To maximize your home’s energy efficiency, make sure to properly seal and insulate your home. This helps to prevent air leaks and reduce the amount of cooling your AC needs to do.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency

Besides buying the best energy-efficient AC units, there are a few other steps you can take to lower your power bill each month. 

• Turn On Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans help to circulate air throughout your rooms, reducing the amount of work your AC needs to do. Plus, ceiling fans can also lower your power bill by making warmer temperatures feel more comfortable.
• Close the Blinds: During peak sun hours, close your blinds or curtains. There are also special transparent films that go over your windows that can help block heat. If you have older windows, you may want to invest in triple-pane glass and ENERGY STAR-certified windows. 
• Set the Thermostat Higher: By raising your thermostat by just 7°F to 10°F for eight hours a day, you can decrease your energy bills by 10%. In fact, cooling costs make up 13% of a typical home’s power bills. While your family’s comfort preferences will impact the ideal temperature for your home, the Department of Energy generally recommends maintaining temperatures between 75°F and 78°F.
• Take Advantage of Programmable Settings: A programmable or smart thermostat can save you a significant amount of money. These thermostats can be programmed to automatically raise the temperature when you’re away from home, so you don’t have to waste money on cooling an empty house.

Cost Considerations and ROI

When it comes to HVAC in Bend, it is often a better long-term financial decision to invest in an energy-efficient unit. With the best energy-efficient AC units, you may spend a little more on upfront costs. Over time, you’ll recuperate this upfront cost through lower power bills. 

For example, getting an ENERGY STAR-certified unit can help you use up to 23% less energy. The average American homeowner spends around $2,000 annually on their energy bills. About half of this amount is devoted to heating and cooling. This means you can typically expect to save around $230 per year. During a 10-year period, an ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC system could save as much as $2,300.

Besides saving you money on long-term costs, an energy-efficient model may also come with potential rebates and tax credits. With the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, you can save up to $2,000 per year for a qualified energy-efficient heat pump.

Oregon also offers a new program that is starting in late 2025, the Home Efficiency Rebate Program (HOMES) for energy-efficient home improvements. Depending on your income, this rebate could cover 50% to 100% of the project’s cost, up to $10,000.

Meanwhile, the Oregon Heat Pump Purchase Program plans to begin accepting applications for the Heat Pump Purchase Program in spring 2025. This program offers funds to owner-occupied properties, rentals, and new construction projects. If you install an energy-efficient heat pump, you could receive an incentive worth $2,000.

Environmental Impact

As a homeowner, there are a few important reasons why you should invest in an energy-efficient cooling system. While lucrative rebates and long-term cost savings are important, your decision also carries a strong environmental impact. 

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: By switching to energy-efficient HVACs in Bend, you can lower your carbon footprint. Energy-efficient units use less energy, which is especially important because 38% of Oregon’s electricity is generated by burning natural gas.
• Safer Refrigerants: Some refrigerants, like R-410A, have been banned because they are harmful to the environment. However, R-410A is technically still allowed to be used in existing models. The 2025 ban stops new HVAC systems from being based on R-410A, but the refrigerant can be used to maintain and repair previously installed systems. By switching over to a new AC, you can reduce the amount of R-410A that ends up in the environment.
• Lower Demand on Power Plants: By using less energy, you help to lower the overall demand on power plants. For example, many states use gas-powered plants because they are easy to bring online during times of peak consumption, unlike nuclear power or wind power. When you lower the amount of energy you need, it helps the state’s grids to focus on renewable energy sources, such as Oregon’s extensive hydroelectric power plants, instead of turning to gas or coal.
• Support for Sustainability Goals: When you install the best energy-efficient units, you use less energy and reduce the energy demanded from power plants. An energy-efficient AC helps you minimize your impact on the environment and support national sustainability goals. 

Learn More About the Best Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems for Your Home

Are you trying to learn how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner? Our team of experienced HVAC professionals can help. Whether you are looking for a new heat pump or a replacement for your existing ductless mini-splits, we can walk you through the entire process. 

Learn more about our energy-efficient air conditioners in Bend by giving us a call today.