5 things to know before buying an energy-efficient window air conditioner

When it comes to air conditioning, you have a lot of options. Newly built homes might have central air, but most older homes in Vermont weren’t built with air conditioning in mind. That means you’re likely perusing standalone AC options like window units or ductless heat pumps.

Window AC units can sometimes get a bad rap. The older ones were loud, heavy, and used a lot of electricity. But window AC units have come a long way thanks to ENERGY STAR® 5.0 standards. Now you can get ENERGY STAR “Most Efficient” units with inverter technology that cool your space quietly without straining your electric bill.

Whether you rent or own your home, or run a small business, here are some key benefits of energy-efficient window AC units.

An ENERGY STAR Most Efficient window AC unit costs more upfront than a less-efficient option, but you’ll start reaping the benefits as soon as you turn it on. These models use up to 35% less energy than conventional window ACs, so you'll have some peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to trade cost for comfort. The yellow Energy Guide label can help estimate your annual cost savings.

Remember when you couldn’t get a good night’s sleep because the window AC would rattle and drone all night? No longer! Inverter window ACs are quiet because their motors generally run more consistently at lower speeds. This also minimizes temperature fluctuations and those big shuddering sounds when the unit turns on and off.

Newer, “Most Efficient” window AC units use variable-speed technology, which puts less stress on the motor. That means your unit might last a good bit longer than the traditional kind.

Most air conditioning uses synthetic refrigerant, which is a greenhouse gas that can be hundreds or even thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide.  Today’s energy-efficient window ACs use low- global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, making them more climate-friendly than older models.  

Air conditioners are built as closed-loop systems, so you generally don’t have to worry about accidentally releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere. But an inverter window AC unit can give you peace of mind that you’re doing your part for the climate.

Most inverter window ACs are equipped with WiFi technology. If you have a smart thermostat or a home energy monitor, you can easily connect to it. Even if you don’t have a smart home, you can benefit from the built-in connectivity: Just open the app that came with your unit and turn on the AC, and your space will be nice and cool when you arrive.