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Written on: May 25, 2016
If your home cooling system is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider an A/C upgrade. Today’s central air conditioners and (and geothermal heat pumps) are far better in virtually every way than their decade-old counterparts – particularly models that haven’t been properly maintained.
When you’re ready to make the leap to a new A/C system for your home, here are some of your most important factors to consider:
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of an air conditioner’s efficiency rating. Think of it like you would MPG in your car – the higher the rating, the more efficient it is. Most the central air conditioning models we offer have SEER ratings between 16 and 20.
Keep in mind, of course, that higher SEER units cost more (prices increase by about 8-10 percent for every 1-point increase in SEER on a similar-sized unit by the same manufacturer). Compared to a 14 SEER model, a typical 18 SEER central air conditioner will take about 3 years to pay for itself.
Also remember that SEER doesn’t take into account how well your home is insulated, the condition of your ductwork, or other factors that can drastically affect efficiency.
Did you know that a properly sized air-conditioning system can reduce energy usage by up to 35 percent?
The problem is that right-sizing can be a complicated affair, since it must take into account your climate, the style of your home, the number of windows, the amount of insulation and shade and other factors. This kind of calculation is best left to a professional who will consider all these variables.
Contact Walton today to get a FREE estimate on a new A/C unit for your home – just in time for summer!
