If you are in the market for a new central air conditioning system, you are in luck! Modern central air conditioning systems are much more efficient than systems manufactured fifteen or twenty years ago. According to EPA estimates, you can save as much as a third on your energy bills by replacing your old inefficient air conditioner with a new energy efficient model.
The energy efficiency of a central air conditioning system is expressed as its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). Modern air conditioners have SEER ratings from 10 to 17. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.
Before you rush off and buy the most energy efficient model on the market, take the time to evaluate your air conditioning needs and decide which model would provide the best return on your investment. The highest efficiency units are more expensive than standard efficiency units. Your HVAC professional can help, but what you need to look at is whether the energy savings from the higher efficiency air conditioner is greater than the difference in the purchase price.
If you live in a very warm climate where your air conditioner will run a lot, you will probably come out ahead by paying more for a more efficient new HVAC system. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate where the air conditioner is used infrequently, a less expensive, less efficient system would be the most economical in the long run.
In either case, be sure to have your HVAC technician install a new programmable thermostat that’s matched to your system to maximize your energy savings and minimize your carbon footprint.
