The Energy Saving Aspects of Central Air Conditioning Systems
If you’re considering making the switch to a central air conditioning system, it’s always best to know how impactful the unit itself can be on your energy bill. Comfort Zone Heating & Air Plus provides air conditioner & heating system Maintenance services.
Because of today’s high energy costs, air conditioners are relatively expensive to operate. This is why when you’re choosing a new air conditioner; you’ll want to find one that’s energy efficient to minimize the damage done at the end of the month.
A central AC unit’s energy efficiency refers to its ability to convert electricity into cooling in a cost-effective way. It’s become a staple to save energy for a variety of reasons. And, by doing so, you won’t face a ridiculously high bill every time your air conditioner pops on. Basically, you want the most efficient system that can keep you cool without emptying your pockets. Additionally, air conditioner maintenance services can cost you almost as much as what you paid for when you first installed the system if you’ve neglected to care for it.
Check the SEER Rating
Every air conditioning and heating unit has an EnergyGuide label that shows how energy efficient it is in comparison to other models. This is what you should look at first.
In order to reduce the amount of wasted energy, the U.S. Department of Energy devised a system that established minimum efficiency standards for all AC units. Every unit is given an efficiency rating (SEER), or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, that is posted in a visible location. The higher the number that you see, the more energy efficient the unit is as well as the less it will cost you when it functions. Most models now are anywhere between 13 to 17. So, be wary of these numbers when you’re choosing a specific model. Also, keep in mind that you need to have a HVAC maintenance checklist to ensure that your system is running smoothly.
What to Look For
In order to obtain high SEER ratings, air conditioners must have a number of energy-saving features like large coils for a more efficient heat transfer, a variable speed blower to reduce electricity consumption, a fan-only switch that will allow you to leave the utilize a basic fan without any cooling features, an automatic delay switch which keeps the fan on for a period of time to utilize residual cool air that’s remaining after the compressor is off, and other similar features.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re making the switch to a central air conditioning system or looking for a more energy-efficient unit, it’s crucial to do an extensive amount of research beforehand. Some units might seem like it’ll save you a good amount of money, but the fact that it has to stay on for long periods of time to keep your household cool might negate the whole energy saving feature. Don’t give in to the first unit that you see on the Internet, take the time to speak to different companies that specialize in things like cooling and heating system maintenance services and other AC related components. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop as well. You might find a price that’s relatively cheaper than the leading brand.
