Can a High Efficiency AC Unit Really Help You Save Money? – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.
Can a High Efficiency AC Unit Really Help You Save Money?
Air conditioners are essential to comfort, whether you live in a place that enjoys sunshine all-year round or the changing of seasons. But with energy prices rising across the country – and likely to continue doing so in the foreseeable future, homeowners may find themselves torn between comfort and economy in the hopes of reducing their overall energy consumption and saving money on utility bills.
With heating and cooling accounting for about half of the energy use in the average U.S. home each year, even slight changes in the HVAC system can significantly influence a household’s utility costs. That being said, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner is one of the best ways to save on AC expenses both in the short and long term.
What is a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner?
To understand energy efficiency is to comprehend how it is measured. For heating and cooling systems, the energy efficiency of an equipment is reflected by its SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient an AC unit is.
The average SEER rating of modern air conditioners is between 13 and 14, but you can find ultra-efficient units with ratings reaching as high as 25 for standard split systems. Around 15 years ago, most air conditioners in the market only have a SEER rating of 10. If your system is more than a decade old, you should seriously consider switching to a newer model to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
How A High Efficiency AC Can Save You Money
AC units with high SEER ratings are generally more expensive, but they can offer more cooling per watt, which helps offset the expense and result in bigger long-term savings.
Here are the top four money-saving benefits of a high-efficiency AC unit:
- Lower Energy Consumption
Installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner in you home won’t come cheap, but it’s likely to save you more money in the long run. The right choice of high-efficiency AC can result in a dramatic decrease in your household energy consumption – as much as 30% in the first month!
- Less Repair Expenses
An AC unit that operates at a higher efficiency level will not have to work as hard to cool your home. Since the equipment receives less stress, it’s likely to last longer, become less prone to wear-and-tear issues, and require fewer repairs over time. You get to save more money on the upkeep of the unit.
- Increased Lifespan
Along with fewer breakdowns and lesser maintenance expenses, a more efficient AC unit will also have a longer life expectancy. Air conditioning systems cost a lot of money; you’ll want them to last as long as possible. With proper care and regular professional AC maintenance, a high-efficiency AC unit can last 15 to 20 years, or even longer.
- Possible Rebates and Incentives
Most states offer rebates and incentives for eco-friendly home improvements, including a new energy-efficient air conditioner. If you’re planning to install a new high-efficiency AC, make sure to check for potential rebates and incentives in your area. Your local HVAC company should know about these programs and how you can qualify for them.
About the author
Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company’s content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.