Cooling Systems
Two-thirds of all U.S. households use air conditioners to cool their home. Properly maintaining your cooling system and choosing high-efficiency equipment can help you save energy, improve the comfort of your home, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Air Conditioning Options
There are three primary types of cooling systems sold today—heat pumps, central air conditioners, and room air conditioners. When buying or replacing your cooling system, look for ENERGY STAR® certified cooling products, as they are more energy efficient than other models. Visit the ENERGY STAR website to check equipment ratings. To search for the most efficient equipment on the market, visit the CEE Directory of Efficient Equipment
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In addition, the below rating types help identify which option or model will be the most energy efficient. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system will be.
- Heat Pumps—Coefficient of Performance (COP), Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
- Central Air Conditioners—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
- Room Air Conditioners—Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
If purchasing a heat pump, you may be eligible to receive a tax credit and/or financial incentive. Visit the Clean Heating and Cooling Solutions page to learn more.
Performance and life expectancy of these cooling systems are dependent upon installation, location, fuel, maintenance, and occupant behavior.
Air Source Heat Pump | Ground Source Heat Pumps | Central Air Conditioners | Room Air Conditioners | ||
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Central Systems (Ducted) | Ductless Mini-Split Systems | ||||
Overview | Central systems connect to a single indoor unit (often a furnace), pushing air through a series of ducts, which gets exhausted through vents throughout a home. Central systems rely on an outdoor compressor/condenser. | Ductless mini-split systems consist of an outdoor compressor or condenser unit that connects to an indoor unit to distribute AC or heat throughout a home. | Ground source heat pumps, also referred to as geothermal heat pumps, extract heat from the ground during cold weather via an underground pipe system, which is then distributed throughout your home. During warmer months, the process is reversed to provide cooling. | A conventional central air conditioner circulates cool air through a home using a system of ducts and registers. | A conventional room air conditioner provides spot cooling and can be either a window unit or a portable air conditioner. |
Life Expectancy | ~ 15 years | ~ 15 years | ~ 25 years | ~ 15 years | ~ 10–15 years |
Most Common Fuel Source Options | Electricity | Electricity | Electricity | Electricity | Electricity |
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For more information and guidance on what option is best for your home, view the Department of Energy Cooling Infographic. To learn more about properly maintaining your equipment and/or determine whether it’s time to replace your air conditioner, visit the ENERGY STAR® Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
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Explore NYSERDA’s list of approved contractors to install or service an air conditioner for your home or property.