Central Air Conditioner

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Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect our climate by helping prevent harmful carbon pollution and reducing other greenhouse gases.

image of a central air conditioner

ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings and use 8 percent less energy than conventional new models.

The central air conditioner also needs a blower motor – which is usually part of the furnace – to blow the cool air through the duct system. The only way to ensure that your new air conditioner performs at its rated efficiency is to replace your heating system at the same time. It’s especially recommended if your furnace is over 15 years old. If you purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an older furnace and blower motor, your system will not perform to its rated efficiency.

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Current Requirements effective date: September 15, 2015

Central air conditioners originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in April, 1995.

Central Air Conditioners Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else should I look for when buying a central air conditioner?

If you’ve decided that you need to purchase a new central air conditioning system, learn how to hire a contractor and get an ENERGY STAR Quality Installation.

Remember, even though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.

You can get better heating and cooling performance at home with ENERGY STAR home sealing (insulation and air sealing) and duct sealing.

Consider regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system to prevent future problems and unwanted costs.

EPA offers additional suggestions for improving the performance of your cooling system as well as general home improvement advice.

Finding Certified Equipment

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) have developed an online database which identifies high efficiency equipment that has been tested to ARI 210/240 and verified by AHRI. In addition, the online directory identifies ENERGY STAR certified Central Air Conditioner and Air-Source Heat Pumps.