Greener and Cooler: Getting Full Benefits From Modern Air Conditioner Units

Troubled by the warm seasons? Now is the best time to buy a new AC! Today's air conditioner units are more affordable but they have more features. Old units have few options on the temperature settings, which are usually limited to high or low cool. New models have full digital control on thermostat and air swing. More than that, they can cool your home more quickly but they consume less power.

With countless brands and hundreds of product reviews, it gets difficult to choose the "best" air conditioner unit. However, the numbers as certified by the Department of Energy do not lie. There are uniform stickers on all air conditioner packages that will help you identify the best buy.

The first number to check is the BTU (British Thermal Unit). This is the cooling capacity of the appliance and it begins at 5000. Checking on the BTU is important especially for single-room air conditioners. 5000 BTUs is recommended for rooms with 300 square foot floor area or less. Larger rooms like 700 sq. ft. floor area may require more than 12000 BTU air conditioner units. However, do not be misled because high BTU does not equate with efficiency. If your room's floor area is just 300 sq. ft. then it is unnecessary to have a 10000 to 14000 model. Excess BTU will just cause excessive humidity.

However, be careful not to buy a model with insufficient BTU. The machine will just continue to work hard-using much energy without reaching the desired temperature. You will not be satisfied, and you will end surprised with a huge electric bill.

Secondly, check the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This number should at least be 10. This is standard set by law, to help save the environment and to conserve energy. A high EER means that the air conditioner uses electricity with little power loss. This rating is genuine only if you see the energy star sticker. This is the best time to replace your old air conditioner units. Many companies will grant rebates if you trade-in with them your old air conditioner, given that it has the energy star sticker.