Eco-friendly air conditioning is becoming more widespread as air conditioner manufacturers phase out ozone-depleting refrigerants in their products in order to meet new government regulations. A number of technological innovations are also making air conditioning units greener.

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Consumers should be researching for the most energy efficient and the up-and-coming models that may be a worthy investment.

For instance, Mitsubishi Electric Corp’s “ZW series” of household air conditioners are programmed to automatically switch to a low-power consumption mode when nobody is in the room.

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Whether by purchasing units with energy-saving technologies or by improving a home’s energy efficiency, here are six ways to make air conditioners more environmentally-friendly.

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1. Size

An under-sized air conditioner not only won’t keep the home cool but will keep trying, wasting electricity and running up the household’s energy bills.

A too-small unit won’t be able to balance the air cooled in the unit’s condenser with the humid, expended air that the evaporator draws out from the home.

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2. Two-Stage Compressors

It’s the compressors of an air conditioning unit that typically uses the most electricity.

Compressors have to work hard to squeeze out the heated vapors so that the refrigerant returns to its cooled state. Two-stage compressors automatically compress less on cool days and more when it’s hot, saving energy.

 

3. Customized Matched Systems

Some eco-friendly air conditioners achieve optimum energy efficiency by using one source of energy for cooling and another for heating.

Customizing each component of the system, from the thermostat to the indoor coils, creates systems based on a home’s individual heating and cooling needs.

 

4. Programmable Thermostats

Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the most affordable ways to green up an air conditioning system.

Homeowners can program the thermostat to remain off when no one is at home and to automatically turn on and cool the home for the household’s return.

 

5. Regular Maintenance

HVAC professionals should inspect and service air conditioning units at least once each year. Maintenance includes testing refrigerant pressure, accessing the unit’s air flow and checking for leaks.

HVAC specialist may also recommend modifications to increase the system’s energy efficiency.

 

6. Replacing Air Conditioners

Regular maintenance of you r air conditioning unit will ensure energy efficient systems, resulting in lower bills and lower emissions.