If you’re thinking you might need a new AC, you may feel a little confused with all of the modern energy efficient models available now. As of January, 2006, the federal government required all new central air conditioners be at least 13 SEER. SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is how air conditioning units are rated for energy efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. You can purchase a new air conditioner with a SEER rating as high as 23. All of the new high-efficiency ACs use R-410A, a far more eco-friendly refrigerant than the old R-22 (Freon).
So how do you determine which one to invest in? A high-efficiency air conditioner will save you cash on cooling bills, but will cost more in the beginning. It makes sense to buy a higher rated AC if you plan to stay in your dwelling for a long time, if you are located in a section of the country where the AC season is long, and you can afford the extra money for the initial investment. You have to weigh how vital the efficiency is when compared to your general comfort, helping the environment and your wallet.
Something homeowners don’t recognize is it’s just as critical, maybe more essential, to pick a company who will set up your system properly. You don’t want a organization who is willing to cut corners. For instance, never ever let anyone talk you into replacing the indoor or the outdoor unit without replacing the other. These new systems are made to run together. Mixing and matching an older indoor unit with a new outdoor unit, or vice versa can make the unit run less efficiently, can shorten the life of both units and most importantly can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Also, you don’t want to purchase a unit that’s too large for your home. It will cycle on and off too often, have problems removing moisture, cause inconsistent temperature in your home, and result in a larger energy bill. A professional heating and cooling company can perform a heat load calculation on your house to establish the proper size AC. Also, check to see what kind of guarantees they offer you on their installation and air conditioning repairs. Selecting the correct company can save you a lot of aggravation in the future. One other tip – look for rebates from your local utility company. Many offer significant savings of hundreds of dollars for installing a high-efficiency AC.
