If you’re looking at replacing your air conditioner, high-efficiency systems are worth serious consideration. Efficiency is measured by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. When comparing air conditioners, the SEER rating will tell you how efficient one is compared to another.
Higher SEER numbers indicate higher efficiency. The minimum SEER rating is 13, with a rating above 16 considered high-efficiency. Think about SEER as MPG in your automobile. The higher the SEER the better MPH you are getting. Here are some great reasons to consider upgrading to higher efficiency:
Lower Utility Bills– High-efficiency systems with higher SEER rating uses less energy, which translates to less money you spend on energy bills. Switching from an old 8 SEER unit to a 16 SEER one could save you 50% on your energy bill. Bottom line: higher efficiency = lower bills.
Incentives and Rebates– There are many government incentives or manufacturers’ rebates. By taking advantage of these offers, a high-efficiency system can end up costing significantly less than anticipated. A good place to find what’s available to you is dsireusa.org.
Environmental Impact– Because high-efficiency systems use less energy they contribute to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Less electricity means fewer fossil fuels being burned. This is good for your wallet and good for the environment.
Humidity– In our market, high humidity is not a common problem until August. High-efficiency systems more efficiently remove moisture during the conditioning cycle, thus keeping you more comfortable and saving money in the process. Variable speed systems run longer cycles at lower pressures, helping to cool the air comfortably. Air that cools too fast without proper moisture removal can lead to mold and other airborne problems.
In addition to the above, a home with a high-efficiency air conditioning system can be attractive to a potential buyer if you’re looking to sell. You’ll be passing on the monthly savings to them!
