How to Choose an Energy-Efficient AC: A Complete Guide

Whether you want to save money on energy costs or protect the environment, investing in energy-efficient air conditioners is a good first step. Today, people are increasingly aware of how their decisions impact the climate. As awareness grows, new technology has emerged that has made heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units more energy-efficient than ever before. Plus, high-quality air conditioners can filter contaminants out of the air, achieve a better level of performance, and reduce the amount of energy you use each month.

For homeowners, choosing the best energy-efficient AC units can be challenging. With so many energy rating systems and calculations involved, it pays to reach out to the experts for help. Learn more about what to look for in an energy-efficient AC by reaching out to Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today.

How Energy Efficiency Metrics Work

If you need help learning how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, start by researching SEER2 and EER. Both of these terms represent how effectively an HVAC system uses energy. The higher the rating, the more efficient the AC is at cooling your home. 

SEER2 measures efficiency across a whole cooling season, and EER measures it at a single operating point. Both replaced older versions of the same formulas, and for both, a higher number means less energy used for the same cooling. Which one matters more depends on your climate, which is covered further down.

Our guide to SEER2 ratings explained for Fort Collins homeowners breaks down how the numbers are calculated and what rating is worth paying for here.

The Different Types of Available Air Conditioners

While each home has different requirements, there are three main types of cooling systems that homes use. Before you can determine which brand offers the most energy-efficient AC units, you should first consider whether you want a central air conditioner, a heat pump, or ductless mini-splits.

• Central Air Conditioners: When people think about air conditioning systems, central air conditioners are normally the first option that comes to mind. This type of air conditioner has indoor and outdoor units connected by copper refrigerant lines. Because the refrigerant can store and release heat based on its compression and expansion, it can effectively transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoor world.
• Heat Pump: Heat pumps work on a similar concept to central air conditioners. Like central ACs, refrigerant lines transfer summertime heat from inside the home to the outside world. However, heat pumps can also reverse the direction of heat transfer in the winter. This means they can bring outside heat indoors during the coldest months of the year, providing a versatile and convenient heating option.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Ductless mini-splits are intended to be used in a single room or zone. Thanks to this design, you can easily personalize the temperature settings to match your preferences. Additionally, ductless mini-splits do not require any ductwork to transfer cold air throughout your home, making this an incredibly easy, energy-efficient option for homes that don’t have any existing ductwork. 

Technically, there are other types of air conditioners, like portable units and window air conditioners. However, these options are not designed for large rooms or entire homes. Because of this, most homeowners choose a central air conditioner, heat pump, or ductless mini-splits for a new AC installation.

On the Front Range, there is a fourth option worth knowing about, and our comparison of swamp coolers and central air conditioning in Fort Collins covers where evaporative cooling still makes sense in a dry climate.

Determining the Correct AC Size

While you might think that getting a larger AC is better, the wrong AC size can actually worsen your energy efficiency. With an oversized unit, the AC reaches the appropriate temperature too quickly and shuts off. This can lead to short cycling, which causes added wear on your air conditioner.

Similarly, an undersized AC can also cause problems. When your system’s capacity is too small, it can make your AC stay on for extended periods. This type of non-stop functionality leads to unnecessary wear, resulting in premature breakdowns.

As a general rule, most homes require ACs that have a 1-ton to 5-ton capacity. Each ton includes 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. Square-footage calculators found online give a rough starting point at best, and they will not get you to the right size on their own. To get the exact capacity you need, a technician also needs to take into account your home’s insulation, sun exposure, window quantity, ceiling height, and elevation.

Because so many factors are involved in selecting energy-efficient air conditioners, it is essential to consult with our HVAC technicians before you buy a new unit. We will quickly come out to your home to calculate your ideal AC capacity based on your home’s unique factors.

Key Features to Look For in a New AC

When investing in a new HVAC system in Fort Collins, there are a few important factors you need to keep in mind. Some of these affect what the system costs to run, and some affect whether you are comfortable living with it. Both matter, and the ones that get skipped in a rushed purchase are usually the second kind. The following qualities will help you achieve the best comfort, energy efficiency, and performance possible.

• ENERGY STAR: An ENERGY STAR certification is only given to the most energy-efficient ACs, so always look for HVAC systems that have this logo.
• AC Capacity: Your system needs to have the right capacity for your home. Overly large or small ACs will wear down early and have lower energy-efficiency levels.
• Programmable Thermostats: ENERGY STAR estimates that getting a smart thermostat can lower the average home’s heating and cooling costs by up to 8% per year. Programmable and smart thermostats can be adjusted to have set temperature schedules, ensuring you don’t have to spend money cooling your home when you are away.
• Smart Features: Other than programmable thermostats, other smart features can help you maximize your energy efficiency. Remote monitoring and performance optimization can help you maximize your energy efficiency and enjoy more precise temperature control. Meanwhile, automated notifications and diagnostic features help you know when to change filters and perform maintenance tasks that will boost the unit’s overall efficiency.
• Variable-Speed Compressors: Variable-speed compressors are capable of modulating their cooling output instead of simply turning on or off. Because of this, ACs that have variable-speed compressors have better energy efficiency and performance levels.
• Noise Levels: For your comfort, you should think about the noise level of each AC type. An older or larger unit will generally be noisier than today’s state-of-the-art systems.
• Air Purification: Besides looking for energy-efficient HVAC in Fort Collins, you should also consider whether you want air purification methods, like HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV lights, installed. 
• Humidifiers: Since Fort Collins has a semi-arid climate, you may want to think about getting a humidifier installed. This helps to boost the humidity in your indoor air and can improve your family’s comfort.

Top Installation and Maintenance Tips

After discovering how to choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, you need to make sure it is installed and cared for properly. Our professional HVAC installers can ensure your system is set up for maximum efficiency and performance. Additionally, you likely need professional installation services to retain your warranty’s validity.

Once the installation is complete, proper maintenance will help your AC achieve the best performance and longevity. As a general rule, most manufacturers expect you to change or clean the filters every 30 to 90 days. 

We also recommend getting an AC tune-up each spring before hot weather arrives. With HVAC maintenance appointments, you can get the coils cleaned and your refrigerant levels monitored. Our technicians will also inspect the HVAC system for any signs of wear or faulty parts.

For a more energy-efficient home, it’s important to make sure your home is properly sealed. Small cracks around your windows or doors can allow hot air to enter your home. In addition, you should make sure your home is properly insulated.

Maximize the Energy Efficiency of Your Cooling System

Other than investing in energy-efficient air conditioners, there are a few other tips you can use to minimize your home’s energy consumption.

• Close Your Blinds: When the sun is at its peak intensity, keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have older windows, you may want to consider replacing them with ENERGY STAR-certified windows instead.
• Ceiling Fans: By installing ceiling fans, you can easily make your home feel cooler and more comfortable without actually lowering your AC’s temperature settings. Additionally, the ceiling fan’s ability to circulate the air can lower the amount of work your AC has to do to cool your house.
• Lower the Temperature: The Department of Energy typically recommends keeping your indoor temperature between 75°F and 78°F for the best energy efficiency. If you raise your temperature by 7°F to 10°F for just eight hours each day, it can lower your overall energy bills by 10%.
• Use Programmable Thermostats: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, make sure to use it. These thermostats can be programmed to automatically increase the air temperature when you’re not home, so you can spend less money on cooling your home.

Cost Considerations and ROI

While the best energy-efficient AC units may have higher upfront costs than standard units, you’ll often save money on these devices in the long run. In addition to lowering energy expenses, energy-efficient ACs often include lucrative rebates that reduce the initial outlay.

An ENERGY STAR certified unit uses up to 23% less energy than a standard model. Against the roughly $2,000 a year an average American household spends on energy, close to half of which goes on heating and cooling, that is a meaningful reduction. How much it comes to in your own case depends on your rate, your usage, and the system you are replacing, which is why we work it out per home rather than quoting an average.

Our breakdown of air conditioner replacement costs in Fort Collins covers the purchase side in detail.

Colorado’s state heat pump tax credit can reduce the cost further. For systems installed from 2026, the credit is worth $1,000 for an air-source heat pump and $2,000 for ground-source, water-source or combined-source systems. It is claimed by a contractor registered with the Colorado Energy Office, who must pass at least a third of the value back to you as a separate line item on the invoice. Confirm current figures with us before you budget, because the credit steps down on a set schedule.

The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is no longer available. It ended for equipment placed in service after 31 December 2025, so a system installed now does not qualify. State and utility programs are the remaining route, and our financing options cover the balance.

Managing Your Environmental Impact

By investing in energy-efficient HVAC in Fort Collins, you can minimize your electrical consumption and protect the environment in a few important ways. 

• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: The best energy-efficient AC units require less energy to operate. Coal still supplies roughly a quarter of Colorado’s in-state electricity generation, down sharply from a decade ago but far from gone, so any reduction in consumption helps to minimize your carbon footprint.
• Use Safer Refrigerants: R-410A was phased out for new residential installations beginning in January 2025 under federal environmental regulations. New systems now use lower-GWP alternatives such as R-32 and R-454B. R-410A can still be used to service, maintain, or operate existing units, so an older system does not become unserviceable overnight. By replacing your existing R-410A-based air conditioner with a newer model, you can switch to a safer refrigerant option and help protect the environment.
• Lower the Power Demand: When electrical grids are set up in each state, they always select stable, low-cost energy sources for the baseline power a system needs. However, there are often times during each day and week when more power is used. During these periods of peak consumption, additional power plants are brought online. Often, the power plants used during peak consumption are from dirtier fuel sources, like coal. By helping to reduce the amount of power needed, you can help lower the power required during periods of peak demand.
• Help Sustainability Goals: By installing an energy-efficient HVAC system, you can help Colorado and the rest of the United States reach long-term sustainability goals.

Discover the Top Energy-Efficient ACs for Your Home

Whether you want to schedule an HVAC tune-up or need help understanding the ENERGY STAR label, our team is here to help. In addition to installing energy-efficient air conditioners, we can also assist with repairs, maintenance, and replacements. Over the years, our team has developed a reputation for providing some of Fort Collins’ best HVAC installations. Sizing the system correctly the first time is the part that gives you peace of mind for the next fifteen years.

Find out more about our heating and cooling services by contacting us today.