What is the Most Energy Efficient Air Conditioning System?

Upgrading an older air conditioning unit, fitting out a new building or simply exploring more sustainable options for your business? Installing the right commercial AC unit can make a big difference to your premises’ utility bills and carbon footprint. Need helping deciding? Find out what to look for when it comes to choosing an energy efficient air conditioning system below. Plus the benefits you can look forward to and how to get the most out of your preferred model.

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning Systems for Business

VRF Air Conditioning Systems

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are among the most efficient air conditioning systems available for commercial use. They offer high-performance cooling and heating by using advanced inverter-driven compressors that automatically adjust the refrigerant flow based on demand. This means the system isn’t always running at full capacity. Instead, it only uses the energy it needs, resulting in significant savings.

Many VRF systems can also recover waste heat generated during the cooling process and reuse it to warm other areas. This makes them ideal for commercial premises with multiple zones and varied heating and cooling needs, like offices and hotels.

And, unlike traditional air conditioning, VRF systems allows multiple indoor air handlers to connect to a single outdoor condensing unit. This enables you to control the temperature in each room, making it highly effective for zoned climate control. The result? Up to 50% energy savings compared to conventional systems, which is great return on investment!

Atmostherm can supply and install several different VRF solutions, including:

• Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi VRF Systems – able to heat and cool different zones simultaneously, and they use less refrigerant than standard systems.
• Fujitsu AIRSTAGE VRF Systems – offer intelligent refrigerant control and advanced energy-saving functions to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.

Single and Multi-Split Air Conditioning

Split-type air conditioning systems are a popular choice for many businesses. These systems consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor, with refrigerant lines connecting the two. Modern split systems often include inverter technology, which allows the compressor to adjust speed based on demand. This not only improves performance but also reduces energy usage.

Single split AC units are designed for targeted cooling in individual rooms or smaller commercial spaces. However, if your building has multiple rooms, a multi-split system can be used instead. These systems link multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit, providing greater energy efficiency than running several systems independently. And while installation can be more complex, the long-term savings typically outweigh the initial cost. Split systems are also ductless, making them easier to retrofit in existing buildings.

Atmostherm offers a range of marketing-leading Mitsubishi Electric split systems, including:

• Mr Slim Range – utilises more sustainable R32 refrigerant, which has a lower environmental impact and can cut electricity use by up to 10%.
• MSZ-LN Wall Mounted System – features a 3D i-see sensor that adjusts airflow based on room occupancy to enhance comfort and efficiency.

Alterative Option: Evaporative Cooling Systems

If you’re aiming to cut your business’s energy consumption, Evaporative Cooling Systems are an eco-friendly alternative to standard air conditioning. Instead of using refrigerants, these systems rely on natural water evaporation. Warm air is drawn through water-saturated pads, where it loses heat as the water evaporates, producing a steady stream of cool, fresh air.

One of the biggest advantages of evaporative cooling is its incredibly low energy use. Especially in the case of two-stage systems that use as little as 10% of the electricity required by conventional AC units! These systems don’t use refrigerants either, meaning they contribute virtually no greenhouse gas emissions – ideal for low-carbon building strategies.

The only real downside is that these systems don’t perform as well in high humidity environments. With that said, advances in two-stage evaporative cooling have improved their effectiveness in more varied conditions. Contact our team to find out more.

Understanding SEER and EER Ratings: Why They Matter

Another way to identify an energy efficient AC unit is through its EER and SEER ratings. The Energy Efficiency Ratio measures a system’s cooling efficiency under fixed conditions. It is calculated by dividing its cooling capacity by the power input. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the unit. For commercial applications, we’d recommend an EER of 12 or higher.

Meanwhile, an air conditioning system’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) more accurately reflects how it will perform throughout the year. It does this by factoring in temperature fluctuations and seasonal demand. An AC unit with a SEER of 16–20 will typically consume less energy across the full cooling season and deliver more stable temperatures.

Some manufacturers also provide energy labelling (like A+++) to make comparisons easier at a glance. When selecting a system, aim for the highest SEER and EER ratings you can afford for the best long-term savings and environmental benefits.

How to Make Your Air Conditioning More Efficient

No matter which air conditioning system you choose, here are some best practices you can follow to optimise its performance:

• Install programmable thermostats to help regulate temperature efficiently and reduce unnecessary power usage when rooms aren’t being used.
• Keep up with regular maintenance – this includes keeping filters clean and refrigerant levels stable, and having regular services to keep things running smoothly.
• Choose zoning options – it may sound obvious, but avoid cooling unused areas of the building. If a room isn’t going to be used for a while, switch off the air con.
• Close windows and doors to keep warm air out and prevent cooled air escaping.
• Keep ventilation systems on to maintain airflow – turning them off can force the air conditioning unit to work harder.

Choosing the Right System for Energy Savings

The most efficient air conditioning unit for your business will depend on a number of factors, including its size, layout and usage needs. However, generally speaking, VRF systems are best for larger buildings and split systems are a scalable option suited to smaller premises. Meanwhile, open-plan settings can benefit from low-cost, low-carbon evaporative cooling systems. Learn more about the best air conditioning for your business on our blog.

Whatever your preference, the Atmostherm team is here to help! We supply and install energy efficient air conditioning systems by Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Fujitsu across Manchester and the North West. So if you’re in the market for a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective AC unit, get in touch for a free quote!

We can also clean, service or repair your existing model, and provide tailored advice when it’s time to upgrade. Just tell us what you need.