Input Power of Centralized Air Conditioners

Power Input

• Central air conditioners require a lot of electricity and must have their own 220-volt circuit. In an average-size home, they use more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. Many factors affect how much power an air conditioner uses, and you can take steps to make yours function more efficiently, including proper installation and maintenance.

Efficiency

• Innovations in air conditioner technology have resulted in more efficient designs. Today, units are required to display their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Units with high SEER ratings are often expensive initially, but are a good investment because of their long-term energy savings. A system with a SEER of 11 would save you 18 percent each year, compared with one rated with an SEER of 9.

Maximizing Efficiency

• It is essential to install your air conditioning correctly and keep it well-maintained in order to maximize efficiency. A professional air conditioning service can provide this maintenance. Ensure you have sufficient ventilation space around the unit and all vents. Keep ducts well-sealed and insulated. Maintain proper levels of refrigerant as recommended by the manufacturer. Choose a location that is in shade or away from the sun, such as the north side of the house, to keep the unit cool and running efficiently.

Efficient Designs

• With increased energy regulations imposed on air conditioning manufacturers, air conditioning efficiency is improving. Evaporative cooling techniques result in less energy use than many top air conditioners. Solar power-based systems use lithium bromide as a coolant and use solar and residual heat to fuel the cooling system. Other systems incorporate sensors and two-stage systems so that the system runs on a low-input mode until a high-input mode becomes necessary.