If your air conditioning unit is getting up there in age or you've noticed unusual sounds or excess humidity, buying an updated model can save you money, help cut down on air pollution - and, of course, keep you cool.

The Environmental Protection Agency devised the Energy Star label to rate energy-efficiency in a number of household products, including air conditioners. It says that if one household in 10 bought Energy Star cooling equipment, some 17 billion pounds of air pollution would be avoided.

Jay Webb, a remodeling contractor in Sacramento, Calif., where the temperature on summer days often soars above the 90-degree mark, says he gets a lot of requests to update air-conditioning units, especially when the temperature starts to climb.

"Often it's the people in older homes who need a new air conditioner," Webb said. "They either don't have air conditioning at all, or their unit is outdated."

Older units typically cool inefficiently and end up costing more than they should, which translates into higher energy bills.

The EPA says that if your cooling system is more than 10 years old, it might be time to upgrade to a unit that has earned the Energy Star label for high efficiency.

According to the EPA, properly sized and installed Energy Star air conditioner units that are supported by a properly sealed duct system save up to 20 percent in annual energy costs, and use 25 to 40 percent less energy than other new conventional systems.

Webb said that if you decide to buy a new unit before it gets too hot, you might also enjoy special pre-summer offers. You're also more likely to have quicker access to a contractor, and there's a better chance the equipment you need will be readily available.

So how do you know if it's time to replace your cooling equipment? The EPA says it might be time if you:

Published: May 13, 2003

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