Did you know that cooling costs comprise over HALF of your monthly utilities during the summer?
Cooling your home can be expensive. And cooling your home with an old, inefficient air conditioner is even MORE expensive. With summer only a few weeks away, now is the time to invest in a new air conditioner. Things are already starting to heat up!
The most important thing to keep in mind while you are searching for a new air conditioner is efficiency ratings. Air conditioner efficiency, measured in SEER, is going to determine just how much money you drop out-of-pocket cooling your home month after month.
SEER stands for the “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration” and is a measure of cooling efficiency over a season of use. This measurement is used for both air conditioners and heat pumps – the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system.
Air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER (in northern states) and 14 SEER (for states in the South). Heat pumps must be 14 SEER everywhere. If you are looking for a high-efficiency model, check out models that have an ENERGY STAR designation. These models go above-and-beyond standard efficiency. However, even a standard-efficiency model can be a significant upgrade from your old air conditioner in terms of efficiency and performance features.
When it comes to selecting a new air conditioner, you should always invest in the most efficient air conditioner you can afford. Although upfront costs for a high-efficiency air conditioner are going to be higher than a standard-efficiency equivalent, the unit may pay for itself over the course of its life in energy-saving performance.
Before you choose an air conditioner or heat pump from your home, make sure you schedule an appointment with your local HVAC contractor.
How efficient is the air conditioner in your home?