According to Lennox, the advantages of the new XC25 SEER 25 air conditioner go beyond energy efficiency. One of the company’s installing dealers told us that because the unit ramps up from just 30% of its full capacity (compared with 60% for the SEER 21 model), it can dehumidify a house without overcooling it during humid but cool evenings and mornings. Lennox has not yet released final pricing, but the cost of replacing an existing 4-ton unit should be around $11,600 (including labor).

Lennox, 800/953-6669, lennox.com.