Most Energy Efficient Air Conditioners Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Energy Efficient Air Conditioner Reviews

1. Senville Aura & Leto Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump Series

This highly versatile series combines the ability to heat as well as cool, making it as effective in winter as it is in summer.

Both the Leto and Aura groups come in 5 models rated from 9000 btu to 36000 btu so buyers have considerable flexibility in finding one to suit their room size. The Leto is the cheaper option, whilst the Aura is the more Efficient due to it’s higher SEER rating.

The Aura has a SEER rating of 25 which is amazing. The Leto, whilst only 19 SEER – is still commendable, especially for the price. Either way, you can buy knowing that you are getting one of the most efficient air conditioners in the world right now.

Both the Leto and Aura aura are energy star certified and incorporate DC invertor technology.

The Senville’s attractive appearance allows it to blend into the most elegant décor. It is also highly durable and is backed by a 2 year parts warranty and a 7 year compressor warranty.

Whisper technology allows it to operate quietly, enabling it to be used in bedrooms even while you sleep.

Comes with an installation kit that includes a 16 foot copper line set, making installation easy and straightforward.

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2. Pioneer Mini Split Air Conditioner Heatpump Series

Another system that combines heating and cooling, this Pioneer air conditioner comes in 4 models that vary in size from 9000 btu to 36000 btu.

The Pioneer is a very futuristic device. You can use a smart app on your phone or tablet to control all facets of this split system. This app is optional, as it also comes with an LCD remote control that provides the same functionality. This includes 4 system modes: Cooling, Heating, Dehumidification and Ventilation. Alternatively, you can opt to allow the pioneer to use its on-board computer for completely automatic operation.

Even more impressive is that this AC uses an inverter system with a variable speed compressor, which enables it to cool more efficiently than older models.

On top of all this, the Pioneer also includes a timer and a night mode that is whisper quiet and varies the temperature to match the way our body temperature changes during the night.

Another useful feature is the auto restart function, which restores the unit to its former settings when it restarts after a power failure.

It comes with a comprehensive installation kit that facilitates easy installation.

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3. Air-Con Mini Split Ductless Inverter Air Conditioner Heat Pump System

The Blue Series 3 from Air-Con is an extremely energy efficient unit that comes in 4 models, some of which have up to 22 SEER rating, making it a very eco friendly AC.

It is also Energy Star and AHRI rated. Despite its high rating, which is comparable to much more expensive devices, the unit is economically priced, making it the ideal choice for cost conscious consumers.

Like the Senville and Pioneer above, the Blue Series 3 includes the ability to both heat and cool your room and has a host of advanced features.

It can pre-heat a room or cool it quickly, thanks to its Toshiba compressor and multiple fan speed settings. A sleep mode enables the ac to operate virtually silently and also vary its temperature to match the natural changes in body temperature during sleep.

The Blue 3 also has an intelligent defrost feature and a low voltage start-up function, further ensuring that it saves on your electricity bill.

Its compact dimensions allow it to blend discreetly into any room, while a lengthy warranty assures peace of mind.

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4. Klimaire KSIV Ductless Mini-Split Inverter Air Conditioner Heat Pump Series

The Klimaire air conditioner comes in 4 models that have efficiency ratings of up to 19 SEER. It includes an indoor unit and outdoor unit which combine to cool or heat, culminating in one of the most efficient ac systems in the world.

The KSIV has a plethora of advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and an Auto Clean function that keeps the evaporator free of mildew growth.

This is a unique function to Kilmaire. If your AC doesn’t have this feature, you might want to check our page on air purifiers to combat mold and mildew to accompany your current model.

It also offers ‘Home Away freeze protection’ that prevents room temperature from falling below 46 degrees F when you are away. Meanwhile the outdoor unit has an automatic defrosting function to protect the compressor from harsh winters while a built-on pan heater ensures that the AC / heater works effective even in very cold weather.

Multiple fan speeds and a turbo function allows the KSIV to efficiently cool the hottest rooms.

Meanwhile, in sleep mode, the system goes into extremely quiet operation.

The unit also has an innovative quick-hook design that ensures that installation is a breeze.

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Most Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioner Reviews

5. TOSOT Window Air Conditioner 2019 Model

Unlike most window units, the Tosot has a modern, minimalist design that lets it blend into the most elegant of homes.

A powerful system, it can cool the hottest rooms quickly and effectively with its unique design allowing the fan to blow in two different directions.

It is also one of the most efficient Energy Star rated air conditioners for the window.

Among the advanced and innovative features of the Tosot is a thermostat that is located on the remote control itself, which allows it to control the temperature at locations in close proximity to the user.

The Tosot comes in 3 models to accommodate different room sizes.

The Sleep mode not only activates ultra-quiet operation, it also regulates the temperature in the night to match the changes in body temperature to ensure that you have a great night’s rest.

The main perk of the new 2019 Tosot model is that if you don’t need the air-conditioning, you can also use it as a fan or a dehumidifier.

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6. Koldfront WAC6002WCO Window AC and Dehumidifier Series

This high seer window ac fits discreetly into most domestic environments and is able to effectively cool spaces between 150 to 250 square feet in size.

Its compact dimensions allow it to fit into windows just 22 inches by 36 inches in size, so it can fit into the tightest spaces.

This is an Energy Star rated product that has an EER of 12, making it very energy economical to run – so you won’t lose your cool when you see your energy bill.

Among its many electricity saving functions is an energy saver mode where the fan operates for two minutes in 10 minute cycles to maintain the temperature with the ac kicking in only when the temperature exceeds the set figure.

The sleep mode allows you to rest more comfortably by adjusting the temperature by 2 degree before returning to the set temperature after six hours. Other features include a check filter warning and a dehumidifying function.

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7. Friedrich Chill CP06G10B Window Air Conditioners

Unlike most window models, the Friedrich comes in designer white and has a modern, attractive appearance that most house owners will appreciate.

With 8 different models to choose from, all with an Energy Star rating, this series beauty is more than skin deep.

You can also enjoy superior air quality thanks to the washable, microbial filters. Its energy efficiency is boosted by the Money Saver feature in which only the fan works to cool the room.

Furthermore, it has a 24-hour timer that lets you specify the times the unit should switch on and off, ensuring that it doesn’t work unnecessarily when it is not required.

An auto sweep function lets the unit cool the room more effectively.

Its elegant appearance is complemented by its installation versatility which allows it to be installed in a window or through a wall.

The Freidrich Chill is also very quiet in operation, something light sleepers will appreciate. It comes with an installation kit and anti-intrusion protection.

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8. Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner

The perfect choice for the budget conscious. The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is a basic, cheap air conditioner that simply concentrates on doing what it’s supposed to do – cool the room. This is something it can do very effectively in any space up to 150 square feet in size.

It includes mechanical rotary controls which ensures that you don’t have to deal with costly repairs further down the line. For those with cost constraints, its appeal is further boosted by its efficient operation so it won’t make a big dent on the utility bills.

Despite its low price, the Frigidaire doesn’t ignore the most important functions that users expect, such as a dehumidifier.

It is Energy Star rated and features low power start up so it doesn’t consume excess electricity when it’s first turned on.

It also has a removable, washable filter that can easily be slid out of the unit to clean so you don’t get bacteria and other contaminants in the room.

Automatic restart automatically resumes operation at the previously set temperature in the event of a power failure.

Comes with an installation kit for easy installation.

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What makes New AC’s more efficient and cheaper to run?

Energy efficiency is a key factor that people must take into account when selecting a good quality Conditioner. This is hardly surprising, since inefficient devices are not only damaging to the wallet but also pollute the environment more than efficient devices. Fortunately, the energy efficiency of air conditioners has improved dramatically over the past decade.

A key innovation has been the widespread adoption of DC Inverter technology, not only for the compressor but sometimes also for the indoor and outdoor fans. The compressor itself has been subject to numerous refinements that have improved operational efficiency. These include the use of better design and materials for the compression chamber, changes in fan blade shape and the incorporation of a more powerful magnet.

Using refrigerant with a higher compression ratio has also yielded significant efficiency benefits.

Another major factor that has contributed to increased energy efficiency has been the ability of the latest systems to control heat transfer using innovative features such as high density fins, inner threaded pipes, and advanced evaporators and generators.

Many new devices use smart technology to bring down energy costs by operating only when necessary, resulting in increased efficiency without compromising comfort. Home owners are also able to operate their devices over the internet, allowing them to control the units from anywhere in the world. This means that the air conditioners operate only when really necessary.

Of course, even when a device is not operating it consumes electricity. New air conditioners are able to use a minimal amount of power in standby mode, leading to far superior energy savings. Despite all this new technology, however, the energy consumption of the AC can vary a great deal depending on its type.

Energy Star Rated Air Conditioners

The energy star rating is provided by a U.S. government run program and is used to identify products that meet strict energy efficiency requirements set out by the Department of Energy.

Currently, in order to qualify for an energy star rating, Conditioners must have an SEER rating of at least 14.5 and an EER of 12.0 for split units and 11 for single models.

They must also have features that enable them to conserve energy. These specifications can change over time as new technology brings increased efficiency gains.

An energy star rating is an independent, government backed certification that a product offers superior efficiency compared to other models on the market.

The products that have earned this award usually display it prominently. This certification is widely recognized, not only in the United States but also internationally, and is a sign that you can buy with confidence, knowing that you are getting a highly efficient product.

Most Economical Air Conditioner FAQ

How much does it cost to run a Window Air Conditioner? Compared to a Split one?

This is a very open ended question as there’s a lot of variance to consider. Generally speaking the newer the unit, the cheaper it will be to run. If your system is 10 years old or more, then it could cost twice as much as the modern equivalent.

The next thing to consider is the size of the Air Con and the type. We measure size in BTU and TON.

Related Post: Air Conditioning types and sizes

Some Examples:

Window air conditioner cost Split Air Conditioner cost

If you’re looking for the lowest watt air conditoner, then Split systems are the way to go.

What is the most economical AC system?

Typically, A Split system is the best AC energy saver and the most efficient type of air con, but some window models aren’t too far behind in second place.

How much electricity does a window AC use?

A Window mounted AC will use anywhere from 500 to 1300 watts to run. Depending on their size. Not bad when you compare it to a typical Central system that will use at least 3400 watts.

How much electricity does a split AC use?

A Split system can use anywhere from 400 watts up to 1500 watts depending on the size. However, the more economical ductless mini-split systems will generally come in under that. It mostly depends on the BTU of the system. For example an 8000 BTU Air Con will use about 800 watts.

How to calculate the cost to operate your AC?

In order to work out how much power your system is using and how much it costs to run, you can use the following formula:

1) Find out the SEER rating and size of the Air Con. So, for example: a 15 SEER split air conditioner at 2 ton size will run at approx 14amps, 3 ton will be around 17 amps

2) Find out the Voltage of the unit. Most Split units in the US run on 240 volt electricity, whilst many window units run on 120 volts

3) Next, you must multiply the watts by the amps. So using our split ac example above, it would be: 240 (watts) X 17 (amps) = 4,080 watts

4) Then to find out the kWh – you divide the 4,080 watts by 1000, which in our example gives you 4.08 kWh of electricity usage

5) Finally you can use this energy use calculator to determine the actual cost of running your Air Conditioner

What size Air Conditioning unit do I need?

To simplify the process of determining what size model you require, we just look at the square footage of the room you want to cool.

What does BTU and TON mean?

BTU stands for ‘British Thermal Unit’. It is standard measure of energy throughout the world. As an equation, 1 BTU is the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of water by 1 degree F. In Air Conditioning, we are discussing cooling, not heating though. So, in Cooling terms, 1 BTU represents the amount of heat an Air conditioner can remove from a room every hour.

A Ton represents the total cooling capacity of an AC. 1 Ton is roughly equal to 288,000 BTU, which is the amount of heat needed to melt a 1 Ton block of Ice within a 24 hour period.

Whats the difference between EER, SEER, CEER and what do they mean?

EER stands for ‘Energy Efficiency Ratio’. It represents the ratio between the amount of cooling produced (BTU) per hour and Power in Watts. Theoretically, the higher the EER, the more cheaper to run the air conditioning system will be.

SEER stands for ‘Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio’. This is a newer term than EER. In 2014 the US Govt decided that simply measuring in EER was not sufficient as it doesn’t take into account seasonal variances in temperature. Where EER is calculated at a flat 95°F, SEER uses a range of temperatures from 65°F to 104°F and also runs 3 separate tests using a variety of humid and dry conditions in order to better reflect real world performance.

CEER stands for ‘Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio’ and is basically the same as EER. However it is solely used when rating Window Air Conditioners only. The only other difference from EER is that CEER rates the energy used when it I in standby mode as well as when the AC is fully turned on.

Is a higher or lower EER more economical?

Or another way to put it: What is a good eer rating? In all cases a higher EER rating is more economical.

How do you calculate EER?

EER is calculated by taking the BTU rating of the AC divided by the wattage. So, for example: A 12000 BTU AC that consumes 1400 watts of power = 8.6 EER Rating. The higher this number, the more efficient the Air Con.

What is more important, SEER or EER?

SEER is essentially an updated and more accurate recording of how much energy an Air Conditioner is using in real world scenarios. So if possible, you should always go by the SEER number over the EER number.

How do you read the Energy Guide Label?

Do Efficient Air Conditioners run longer?

Most home appliances are constantly improving. High SEER AC’s are designed to be fully switched on and running for longer periods than old AC’s. However, they usually only run at the lowest speed settings and have been optimized to use very little power when running constantly at these low speeds. It is far more economical to work this way, than constantly switching on (at full blast) and off again to maintain temperature.

Do Air Conditioners lose efficiency over time?

There are many reasons why they might lose efficiency over time. Some of the reasons include: Leaks and cracks in the system, low refrigerant levels, dirty evaporator coils, blockages and general dust and dirt build up.

What is cheaper to run, Fans or AC?

Fans are much cheaper to run. ACs require a lot more power to run the compressor (the bit that makes the air cold). If you’re looking to save money on air conditioning, then adding a ceiling fan to your room can allow you to raise the AC’s thermostat by as much as 5 degrees whilst still maintaining a cool temperature.

Of course there are many new smart gadgets for the home that can help you keep these devices running at their optimal best. For more information on those check out our new guide on energy efficent smart devices for 2020.

What is Energy Saver Mode?

Energy saver mode helps make ACs more economical by automatically switching off the fans (exhaust and circulation) when the compressor turns off. Fans don’t use a lot of electricity, especially when compared to the compressor – but every little bit helps!

Whats the most economical temperature to set my Air Conditioner?

According to scientific studies, 78°F or 26°C is the perfect temperature setting for your device. Obviously on really hot days, this might not be possible, but rest assured it does make a huge difference. Just 5 degrees cooler at 73°F can increase your AC electricity usage by a much as 40 percent!

Tips to make your Air Conditioning more Energy Efficient

While attempting to explain how to make ac more economical to run, we need to look at a variety of factors. Choosing a low watt model is an important first step in reducing your air conditioning costs, you can also realize significant gains by utilizing the following tips:

1. Keep the outdoor unit clean

Many people that have split acs tend to ignore the outdoor condenser unit once it has been set up. However, the unit will operate most efficiently when it is clean. Since debris and dirt tend to accumulate in the outdoor unit, it is vital that it is subject to regular cleanings.

2. Regular maintenance

Don’t stint when it comes to servicing your air conditioner. Regular tune ups are vital to ensuring that it operates at optimum efficiency and efficiency. If you neglect to schedule regular maintenance, not only will you end up with a unit that will become increasingly inefficient, you also run the risk of having it fail permanently. You also need to make sure that the filter is changed on a regular basis.

3. Remove obstructions

If you have a central air conditioning system, it is likely that the vents and ducts that supply the cool air will become blocked by dirt and debris over time, severely impacting operational efficiency. Make sure that you clean the vents and ducts regularly so that the air conditioner can perform unimpeded. In most cases, a vacuum cleaner will be sufficient to remove obstructions.

4. Increase the temperature setting

Try to set the thermostat at the highest temperature that feels comfortable. Remember that even a few degrees can make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Also bear in mind that setting a lower temperature will not make the air conditioner cool any faster. If you are returning after a hot day outside and want to cool down quickly, resist the temptation to set the temperature really low as it will not make it work any faster.

5. Keep your curtains closed

Help your air con keep the room cool by keeping your curtains and blinds closed. Sunlight rays can quickly increase the temperature if it enters a room. Direct sunlight can also generate considerable heat by warming the glasses and frames of windows, so keeping the curtains closed can go a long way in moderating room temperature It will also prevent sunlight from falling directly on the device, helping your air conditioner do its job more efficiently.

6. Ensure that your thermostat readings are accurate

Make sure that the thermostat reading reflects the room temperature. If it is close to a heat generating appliance such as an oven, cooker or lamp, it could give a figure that is in excess of ambient temperature, causing the conditioner to overwork and cool unnecessarily.

7. Use your appliances carefully

Avoid using appliances such as the cooker and dryer during the hottest times of the day, as that will raise room temperature and increase the load on your device. Schedule the time you do such chores to the morning or evening when it’s cooler. This will ensure that the temperature in your house is as cool as possibly, reducing the air conditioner’s work load and saving on your energy consumption.

8. Insulation

Make sure that the pipes and ductworks that connect the units in split air conditioning are properly sealed. Holes will cause cool air to leak, impairing the operational capability of the system. It is important to periodically check your system as these connectors can decay over time or suffer damage as a result of rats, among other reasons. You can fix visible leaks by using duct-sealing tape, but you should also use the services of a professional to check your ductwork if you suspect that your air conditioning is not working as well as it used to.

9. Use ‘smart’ features

Many new models have smart features that can be used to considerably save on electric costs. Users can control their devices over the internet, allowing them to operate them from virtually anywhere in the world. This means that the air conditioners can only be used when required and switched off at other times. For example, during exceptionally hot days, the unit can be switched on when the user is heading home rather keeping it on all day. Some ACs are even able do this automatically using an app on your phone.

10. Position your air conditioner correctly

Try to place the unit in a location where air flow is maximized, where it is not obstructed by plants and furniture. Check periodically if things like toys and curtains are blocking the vents, particularly if you have a central air conditioning system. Also place it where direct sunlight does not fall on it and impede the operation of the unit. This also applies to the outdoor unit which should be kept away from sunlight. If that is not possible, provide some shade so that it can function more efficiently and not be subjected to added strain.

11. Try the dehumidifier

A lot of the discomfort we feel in summer is due to the humidity in the room. You can make a room more comfortable by simply using the dehumidifier feature on the air conditioner. On less hot days, you may find that you can get by using only the dehumidifier function and the fans. On hotter days, using the dehumidifying feature will allow you to set a higher temperature on the thermostat.

12. Leak proof your house

Leaks around the doors and windows can cause cooled air to be released and warm air to come in. Regularly inspect rooms in your house for holes or gaps through which the cold air may be escaping. As this can cause air cons to work harder, fixing these leaks can go a long way to reducing your utility bill and also help your air conditioners work more effectively.