The Benefits of Energy Efficient Air Conditioners
July 17, 2020
Categories: Air Conditioning
As Americans, we love our air conditioning. It not only keeps us cool but keeps the humidity down to a reasonable level. That’s good news. The not so good news, it can become costly very quickly if the air conditioning solution is not energy efficient!
Energy Efficient Air Conditioners Save Money
Did you know that 6% of all energy costs come from keeping our homes cool and comfy during the hot summer months? In America that equates to $29 billion every year to keep the air on and turned up for maximum comfort. When it comes to your wallet, an energy efficient air conditioner is a great way to cool things down and save money.
Today’s energy efficient air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of air conditioning as units from the mid-1970s. When you invest in an energy efficient air conditioner, you can realistically save 20% to 40% on your home cooling costs. Now that makes an energy efficient air conditioner installation well worth the investment!
There’s no doubt that replacing an air conditioning system with a newer, more efficient model saves money in the long-run, but it’s also kinder to the environment.
Energy Efficient Air Conditioners Positive Environmental Impact
In the United States, air conditioning use is responsible for roughly 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide that is released into the air each year. Some of those environmentally harmful emissions can be eliminated when an energy efficient air conditioner is installed.
One way to ensure an air conditioning solution is “eco-friendly” is to look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a government-backed symbol that signifies a product’s energy efficiency. Its intent is to provide simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses can rely on to make well-informed decisions. This is just the first step to ensure the environment will not be needlessly compromised with a new air conditioner.
The next step is to make sure the unit is the right size for your home or business. The best way to ensure that you choose the appropriate size unit is to research which unit is best for your home or business in direct correlation to the climate in the area. Reputable local HVAC companies can help determine what option is the most beneficial.
In short, if the energy efficient air conditioner has the Energy Star seal of approval and the right-sized unit is being installed, you will be minimizing the amount of harmful emissions released into our environment.
When to Make the Switch to an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner
Knowing when to pay for air conditioning service vs. invest in air conditioning installation depends on the age of your current HVAC system. On average, most central air conditioning units last about 20 years. If you have an air conditioning unit that is approaching its 15th year of service, that unit is on the wrong side of middle age.
However, even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, its ability to efficiently cool your home is significantly diminished.
In general, when considering a new air conditioning unit look for:
- A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 15
- Make sure the installer performs an industry-approved sizing calculation (e.g., ACCA Manual J and S)
If you do determine it’s time to replace the air conditioning unit, don’t forget to do your due diligence before calling local HVAC companies to hire, as mentioned in a previous blog. Look for the red flags or be prepared to live with the consequences.
There’s no doubt, installing an energy efficient air conditioner is a sound monetary and environmental investment. No matter the type of HVAC system you determine is best, make sure you know the facts and speak with a professional company that provides heating and cooling services.
As one of the leading quality heating and cooling service providers, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have! Fill out our simple contact form for more information or give us a call at 1-877-358-0033.