Mythbusting v6

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has compiled a list of ten myth-busters to help separate energy savings fact from energy wasting fiction.

MYTHBUSTING FACT #6: While heating and air-conditioning equipment is much more efficient than it used to be, there are still significant variations in energy use. The most important decision is which contractor to choose, so the equipment will be the right size and installed properly, and the ductwork will be fixed so that it doesn't leak a quarter of the energy you buy (the US average)! Qualified contractors will ask about comfort issues, run a real load calculation program so they won't need to sell oversized equipment, and discuss options with you. Premium equipment offers even better efficiency, and features such as quieter operation and better humidity
control.

You might be surprised to learn that many of the air-conditioners in older homes don't even meet minimum standards of modern units. MLGW's EcoBuild program has a list of guidelines to meet energy and environmental goals. EcoBuild recommends purchasing air conditioners rated at 14 SEER, rather than the minimum 13 SEER.