Energy-Saving Features
To achieve particularly high SEER ratings, air conditioners may have any number of energy-saving features. Look for:
Large coils for more efficient heat transfer
• A high-temperature rating (EER) greater than 11.6 and a thermal expansion valve. When the weather is hottest, this translates to high-efficiency operation.
• A variable-speed blower to reduce electricity consumption, tailoring the usage to the need
• A fan-only switch. This allows you to turn off the cooling but leave the fan running to circulate air for more natural, affordable cooling.
• An automatic delay fan switch, which keeps the fan on long enough to utilize residual cool air that remains after the compressor turns off
• A filter indicator light that lets you know when the filter needs changing. This boosts efficiency by ensuring proper maintenance.
5. Select Other Features
Many high-efficiency products combine several of these features and add some of their own. Case in point: The York Stellar Ultra features two compressors that work in tandem when high cooling capacity is needed. The rest of the time, only one of the compressors operates. These, combined with a variable-speed motor, achieve a SEER rating of 16.7.