Guide to Choosing an Energy-efficient Air Conditioner

Guide to Choosing an Energy-efficient Air Conditioner 

Selecting an energy-efficient air conditioner is essential for managing both comfort and energy costs, particularly during Brampton and the GTA’s hot summer months. The right unit provides consistent cooling while helping households and businesses maintain responsible energy consumption. 

At Special Gas Services, we aim to support customers with clear, factual guidance on choosing the most suitable cooling solutions. The following guide outlines the key factors to consider when evaluating an air conditioner in Brampton. 

Understand Key Efficiency Ratings 

Efficiency ratings indicate how effectively an air conditioner converts electricity into cooling power. Reviewing these figures helps you select a unit that operates efficiently under typical Canadian climate conditions. 

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This rating reflects the total cooling output during a season divided by the total electrical energy consumed. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater efficiency across a range of temperatures. 

• EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): EER measures cooling efficiency at a fixed outdoor temperature. It provides a clear comparison of unit performance under peak load conditions, which is valuable during the hottest days of summer in the GTA. 

• ENERGY STAR® certified: Products bearing the ENERGY STAR® label meet or exceed strict efficiency criteria established by Natural Resources Canada. Choosing an ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioner supports lower long-term energy consumption. 

Select the Correct Size for Your Space 

An air conditioner’s cooling capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), must match the size and layout of the area it serves. Choosing the right air conditioner is especially important, as both residential and commercial spaces vary widely in design and insulation. Oversized units can short-cycle and waste energy, while undersized units may run continuously without adequately cooling the space. 

To determine appropriate capacity, consider: 

• Square footage of the cooled space 

• Ceiling height 

• Window exposure and insulation 

• Occupant and equipment heat loads 

An HVAC designer and/or engineer performs a detailed load calculation to ensure optimal sizing. 

Maintain Your Air Conditioner Regularly 

Regular maintenance preserves the efficiency and reliability of your air conditioner. The following practices support consistent performance: 

• Clean or replace air filters at recommended intervals. 

• Inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils. 

• Verify proper refrigerant charge. 

• Check electrical connections and control systems. 

• Schedule annual professional servicing. 

Neglecting maintenance can lead to increased energy consumption, reduced cooling capacity, and premature equipment failure. 

Choosing an Air Conditioner That Delivers Long-term Efficiency  

Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner in Brampton requires careful evaluation of efficiency ratings, proper sizing, and ongoing maintenance. These steps help ensure your cooling system operates reliably and economically, even during the GTA's hottest summer days. 

Since 1968, Special Gas Services has provided homeowners and businesses with high-quality air conditioning products from suppliers like Goodman, Daikin and Lennox. Our licensed HVAC technicians support customers through professional AC sales, installation, repair, and maintenance for all makes and models. 

To learn more about our air conditioning products and services or to request a consultation, contact our professional team today.