Tips For Central Air Conditioning

For air conditioners purchased through commercial sources (retailer or distributor), look for the EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR® label; all ENERGY STAR® models meet this Efficiency Recommendation. Visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site for a list of complying models. Alternatively, look at the yellow "EnergyGuide" label to identify models with an SEER that meets this recommendation.

For a contractor-supplied central air conditioner, specify an ENERGY STAR® qualified model, or one with an SEER that meets the recommended level.

Sizing

Oversizing of air conditioners, besides raising purchase cost, will result in reduced energy efficiency, poorer humidity control, and shorter product life, all due to excessive on-off cycling. The required air conditioner capacity should be determined based on the referenced ACCA calculation procedure.

Installation Tips

Leaky ductwork is responsible for substantial energy losses and comfort problems in most residences; consider sealing ducts in conjunction with central air conditioner installation. Placing the outdoor ("condensing") unit in a well-shaded area will also reduce energy consumption.

User Tips

Consider leaving air conditioning off during unoccupied hours, or using a set-back thermostat to minimize unnecessary operation of the unit.

Environmental Tips

Refrigerants with ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were used many years ago in central air conditioners but most existing equipment today uses HCFC refrigerants, which have a much lower ozone-depleting effect. There are some central air conditioner models now on the market that use refrigerants with no ozone-depleting effect; ask your supplier for information. In the future, central air conditioners with ozone-safe refrigerants are expected to be more widely available.

When retiring a central air conditioner that contains CFCs or HCFCs, the Clean Air Act requires that the refrigerant be recovered on-site by a certified technician. For compliance information, contact the EPA Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at (800) 296-1996.