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Carrier is back at CES, but this year it’s all about air conditioners — specifically its new 9,000 BTUh single zone ductless system. Yes, I know it’s winter in many parts of the world right now, but this snazzy system is making some pretty big claims about its cooling capabilities. 

First up? Its energy rating. Carrier says its latest cooling appliance is the “most efficient” you can get in North America because of its “42 SEER” rating. A search on the U.S. Department of Energy site directed me to this piece of information: “Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). SEER indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less.”

At 42 SEER, Carrier new air conditioner certainly sounds efficient, but we’d of course have to test it out ourselves to learn more. This model is also supposed to sense ambient humidity and make automatic adjustments for improved comfort. An integrated infrared sensor is there to sense motion, too, so it should even be able to tell when you’re home or away. 

Carrier hasn’t said anything about pricing or third-party integrations for its new 9,000 BTUh single zone ductless system, but it’s expected to be available starting this spring through its list of approved dealers. 

What to expect from the smart home at CES 2018: We take a look at the smart home and appliance trends we expect to see this year.

CES 2018: CNET’s complete coverage of tech’s biggest show.

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