Energy Efficient Air Conditioners

[trey]

I was wondering if anyone on this site had suggestions. I am planning on doing some energy efficiency things to the home, and if I replace the 22 year old HVAC, I'll get an extra $600 in rebates, so I thought it would be worth it to check out. I looked around the site but didn't see anything.

If anyone had any thoughts or ideas, I would apprecaite it.

[Windguy]

Just make sure it is an inverter air conditioner, If the salesman doesn't know then walk away. They cost more but you get more money back in the end by saving electricity.

[trey]

Originally Posted by Windguy

Just make sure it is an inverter air conditioner, If the salesman doesn't know then walk away. They cost more but you get more money back in the end by saving electricity.

could you provide links to information or explain this a little more?

[Windguy]

Choosing an efficient air conditioner

A new innovation in air conditioner technology is the use of an inverter or variable speed drive in the motor system that drives the compressor. While these systems tend to look less efficient at full load (ie their star rating at rated capacity is not always as high as conventional air conditioners), they tend to be very efficient at part load operation, which is a more common mode in a typical household. So if you are likely to use an air conditioner for long periods because you live in a hot climate, it may be worth considering an inverter system. They are, however, more expensive to buy, as a rule.