❄️ Introduction: Cooling Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune
Hey everyone — Tony Marino here. Every summer, I get questions from homeowners who want to beat the heat without blowing up their utility bills. And let’s face it: the cost of electricity can add up fast if you’re not careful.
That’s where energy-efficient through-the-wall air conditioners come in. Choosing a unit with a good efficiency rating — then taking advantage of rebates and incentives — can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Plus, you’ll do your part for the environment at the same time.
In this article, I’ll cover:
✅ What efficiency ratings like SEER and EER mean
✅ How refrigerants like R-32 make a difference
✅ Tips for choosing the most energy-efficient unit for your space
✅ Where to find rebates and utility incentives
✅ Pro tips for further improving efficiency in your home
Let’s jump in.
💡 Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings: EER and SEER
First, let’s clear up some HVAC lingo. When you shop for through-the-wall air conditioners, you’ll see ratings like EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Both tell you how much cooling a unit provides per unit of energy.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio):
This is a snapshot of efficiency at a fixed outdoor temperature — usually 95°F.
A higher EER means the unit can cool better for the same wattage.
✅ SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio):
SEER is a seasonal average — it accounts for variations in temperature over the summer.
A SEER of 13–15 is considered standard; higher than 16 is considered high-efficiency.
If you want to dive deeper into what these ratings mean for energy savings, this article from ENERGY STAR lays out the key details.
🧊 Why R-32 Refrigerant Improves Efficiency
You may have heard about new refrigerants like R-32, which is becoming the standard for modern ACs. R-32 offers a few advantages:
✅ Better heat transfer — less energy wasted per BTU
✅ Lower global warming potential than older refrigerants like R-410A
✅ Easier to recycle and reclaim during service
That’s why most high-efficiency wall units now use R-32. It’s a smart, eco-friendly choice that can also help you qualify for rebates and incentives. You can read more about R-32 refrigerants and why they matter at the AHRI website, which is a trusted authority on HVAC industry standards.
🏠 Choosing the Right Efficiency Level for Your Space
Before you pick a unit, make sure it’s sized right for your home. Even the most efficient unit will waste energy if it’s the wrong size.
✅ Undersized unit: Runs constantly and struggles to keep up — driving up your bill.
✅ Oversized unit: Cycles on and off quickly, leading to inefficient cooling and extra wear.
Use a BTU calculator that accounts for your room’s size, insulation, windows, and ceiling height. The U.S. Department of Energy’s official calculator at energy.gov is a great place to do this.
Once you know your BTU target, shop for the most efficient unit that matches that BTU range. The higher the SEER/EER rating, the less you’ll pay every summer.
🧑💻 Rebates and Utility Incentives: Get Money Back for Going Efficient
Here’s some good news: Many utility companies and local governments offer rebates and incentives to encourage energy efficiency. That means you could pay less up front for a higher-efficiency unit — and save more on utility bills every year.
Here’s where to look for rebates:
✅ Your utility company’s website. Search for “energy rebates” — most companies list their incentives clearly.
✅ Your state energy office. Many states partner with utilities to offer home energy upgrade programs.
✅ The federal DSIRE database. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) lists all rebates and tax credits by state.
And here’s a pro tip: Be sure to check rebate requirements before you buy. Many programs require you to purchase ENERGY STAR-certified models or submit proof of proper installation.
🧰 Maintenance and Usage Tips to Maximize Energy Efficiency
Even an efficient unit can waste energy if you don’t take care of it. Here are a few best practices to keep your AC humming along at peak performance:
✅ Clean the air filter regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the unit to work harder — and use more energy.
✅ Seal around the sleeve. Gaps around the wall sleeve can let warm air sneak in. Caulk or use foam insulation to seal them.
✅ Use a programmable thermostat. Don’t cool an empty house. Set a programmable thermostat to raise the temperature when you’re out.
✅ Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day. Blocking direct sunlight can reduce heat gain and lighten the AC’s load.
If you’d like to read up on other proven ways to cut your cooling bills, check this helpful article on energy-efficient cooling from the U.S. Department of Energy.
⚠️ Avoiding Common Efficiency Killers
Through-the-wall units are relatively simple to maintain — but even small mistakes can reduce efficiency:
🔵 Poor Drainage
If water can’t drain properly, your unit may overwork or freeze up. Check the drain regularly and tilt the unit slightly to the outside.
🔵 Blocked Outdoor Grille
If the exterior grille is clogged with debris like leaves or spider webs, heat can’t escape. Brush this clean at the start of each season.
🔵 Wrong Size Unit
Choosing a unit that’s too small or too large wastes energy. Don’t rely on square footage alone — consult a BTU calculator or an HVAC pro.
🧠 Pro Tip: Consider Installing a Programmable Timer or Smart Controls
Smart home tech isn’t just for show — it can pay for itself quickly. Many newer through-the-wall ACs come with programmable timers, Wi-Fi controls, and even voice commands.
That means you can:
✅ Set schedules. Automatically raise the temperature during the workday.
✅ Monitor energy use. Some apps show you exactly how much electricity you’re using.
✅ Get maintenance reminders. Some systems will alert you when it’s time to clean the filter or check the drain.
And as always, make sure to look for units with the ENERGY STAR label — they’re tested for these kinds of smart features and efficiency.
📜 Staying Cool with Confidence — and Lower Bills
Here’s the bottom line: If you want to save money and stay cool, focus on efficiency. The most efficient through-the-wall AC units will keep you comfortable, last longer, and pay you back in lower utility bills — especially if you take the time to shop for rebates and incentives.
And that’s what I do best: helping homeowners make smart HVAC decisions.
If you’d like help picking the most efficient unit for your home, visit our full selection of through-the-wall air conditioners at The Furnace Outlet. Our team is here to help you find the perfect match — and we’ll gladly walk you through any available rebates or incentives too.
✍️ About the Author
Tony Marino is an HVAC technician with over 20 years of hands-on experience. Known for his practical, no-nonsense advice, Tony enjoys helping homeowners save money and energy with common-sense solutions and straightforward guidance.
