If your house isn't designed and built to remain naturally cool in hot weather, you can benefit from adding an air conditioning system to it. An AC system will provide the additional cooling required to keep the building cool when temperatures start to rise.

When it's time for air conditioning installation, you'll want to choose a unit that can cool your home in the most energy-efficient manner possible. An energy-efficient AC installation will minimise the amount of energy used to cool your home, thus reducing your residential space-cooling expenses. 

Here are a few key factors that will affect your new AC system's ability to save energy and money.

The size of your air conditioner

When it comes to air conditioning installation, size does matter.

An undersized unit will save you money on the upfront cost of the unit, but it could prove to be expensive to operate over the long term. Since a smaller unit cannot match the cooling output required to cool your space, it could keep running harder and longer, resulting in higher cooling bills. A larger AC system too will be costly to operate due to the unused cooling output it provides. 

To maximise the energy efficiency of your residential AC installation, aim for an air conditioner size that equals or slightly exceeds your home's cooling demand.

The energy efficiency rating of your air conditioner

While modern versions of virtually all types of air conditioners are more efficient than their predecessors, you shouldn't assume that all newer models will save you energy and money.

When choosing your AC unit, look at its energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. A high-efficiency unit will initially cost you more, but it can lead to substantial energy savings over the long term.

The location of your air conditioner

Location matters when it comes to air conditioning system installation. To enjoy optimal cooling performance, position the indoor unit high enough in a room. The cooled air coming out of your AC system will invariably sink to the bottom of the room. Placing the indoor unit higher in the room will help ensure uniform distribution of the refreshing air.

The outdoor unit should be kept away from direct sunlight. Solar heat can increase the strain on your AC system, causing it to run harder and longer to reach your desired temperature level.

Proper placement of your cooling system will help you save energy, ultimately resulting in lower utility costs.

Ensuring energy-efficient AC system installation will not only save you money but also reduce the environmental impact of your entire home. To learn more about ways to make your new AC system energy efficient, reach out to your local HVAC contractor.