Most heating and air salespeople will tell every customer they need to install an ultra high efficiency (and ultra-expensive) central air conditioning unit. The truth is, very few people actually need such a high-end unit. Even many homeowners who ultimately decide to install a 16 SEER (or higher) air conditioner don’t technically need such an ultra efficient unit to cool their homes comfortably. They install them because other considerations can sometimes make upgrading beyond a basic model a no-brainer financially, Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against ultra high efficiency air conditioners. Quite the contrary, I think they’re fantastic. What I am against is salespeople misleading customers in order to sell more expensive equipment just so they can earn higher commissions. So I’d like to arm you with the information that will help you decide 2 things for yourself… Let’s start with this basic premise… when sized correctly, even the most basic 13 SEER air conditioning unit will cool your home.

Despite what any salesperson tells you, a 13 SEER unit will cool just about any home comfortably.This may come as a surprise, but installing a new air conditioner is not high on most people's list of fun ways to spend money. So why not install the air conditioner that makes the most sense for you and your home financially? People who live in larger homes and older homes, especially if they have 2-story ceilings or lots of windows, will usually find it very expensive to keep their home comfortable during the summer. ac unit smallIf your utility bills are high enough, you might want to consider a 16+ SEER ac unit. best central ac units brandsThis is especially true if you are replacing your old air conditioner and furnace at the same time so you can potentially qualify for a rebate from Xcel Energy.how much power does an ac unit take

A 16 SEER air conditioner is approximately 20% more efficient than a basic 13 SEER unit. A 17 SEER model would be about 30% more efficient than a basic 13 SEER unit, so you can expect to lower your summertime utility bills a good bit by upgrading to one of these ultra high-efficiency air conditioners. it’s worth spending the few minutes it takes to do a rough calculation to see how long it will take to recoup back the additional money you spend on an ultra high efficiency air conditioner. Just multiply the increase in energy efficiency (use .20 for a 20% increase for example) amount of your average summertime utility bill. Then multiply the amount you would expect to save each month during the summer by 4. (4 being the number of months that are hot enough to need your air conditioner every day here in Denver) That will give you a good estimate of your annual utility bill savings with a higher efficiency air conditioner. Say you would save about $300/year by installing a 16 SEER unit instead of a 13 SEER.

If the cost difference after any Xcel Energy rebates is $1,500, it would take you 5 years to recover the additional cost. That’s a very reasonable time frame, and certainly worth installing the upgraded unit. If you’re just replacing your old air conditioner, you can qualify for the $500 Trade-In Rebate from Xcel to offset some of the cost of installing a more efficient unit. If you’re replacing your old air conditioner a new furnace at the same time, you can potentially qualify for both the $500 Trade-In Rebate and the New Equipment Rebate from Xcel. It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of the New Equipment Rebate you’ll actually receive depends on the EER rating of your new system, so you should think of it as being eligible for ‘up to’ the amount listed. For example, even though the New Equipment Rebate for a 16 SEER air conditioner is listed as $500, the amount you’ll actually get back might only be $300, depending on how your new system rates out when tested for the EER.

If you can qualify for both the Trade-In Rebate and at least a portion of the New Equipment Rebate from Xcel, it’s definitely worth considering a more efficient unit. If you’re looking to take advantage of a 0% Financing offer with an extended term (like 0% for 48 or 60 months), you will have to purchase a ‘qualifying system’ to get those terms. You can expect the 'qualifying system’ to include at least a 16 SEER air conditioner, and often times you’ll have to install a 17 SEER unit to qualify for the special financing. Don’t be surprised if you’ll also have to install a new variable-speed furnace at the same time to qualify for most of these financing promotions. Keep in mind that even 0% Interest financing isn’t necessarily free. There will always be an origination fee built into the price of any system you purchase using financing. Typically the origination cost of the financing will range from 10% for 24 Months up to as much 15 - 20% for 48 - 60 Months.

So don’t automatically assume you’ll be coming out ahead by installing an ultra high efficiency air conditioner just so you can get 0% Financing with a longer term. So if you don’t need to install a high-end ac unit to lower your utility bills, and you don’t need extended financing terms, buy a basic air conditioner if that’s all you you need instead.Central Air Conditioner Buying Guide imageThe job of a central air conditioner is to cool a home efficiently. Once purchased, homeowners can expect a unit to last from 10 to 15 years depending on the level of maintenance performed during its working...Read More about Central Air Conditioner Buying GuideHomes with boiler systems as their primary source of heat lack the duct work needed for traditional central air conditioning systems. But, just because you have a boiler system doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the comforts of air conditioning. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on costly renovations to install duct work, when you can cool off without tearing apart and remodeling your home.

There are several air conditioning options available for homes with boiler systems. Here we focus on the features of three of them. Unico Air Conditioning Systems Unico offers a high-velocity air conditioning system with tiny vents that can run through narrow spaces, allowing air to penetrate rooms through small ducts. The vents are hidden and run between walls and through attics for minimum disruption to your decor, while the condenser unit sits outside the home. Designed for homes with no duct work, the Unico system can be an ideal solution for homes with boiler systems. The unit itself runs so quietly that you wouldn’t even know it’s there, due to the insulated air handler and vibration pads. The cooling coils lower humidity levels in your home, which reduces the workload on the air conditioning unit and helps you save on your energy bills. SpacePak Air Conditioning Systems SpacePak air conditioning systems use an aspiration system to circulate air into rooms without creating a draft.

These systems are normally installed in an attic and use discreet, hidden piping to keep your home at a consistent, cool temperature even during the hottest of summers. SpacePak systems, ideal for homes with boiler systems, don’t take up any floor space, and also have a condenser unit that sits outside the home. The system operates quietly so that you aren’t disrupted every time the unit starts up. These systems also dehumidify your home so that it will stay cooler without running up your energy bill. Of the three, the Fujitsu Mini Split system is the perfect solution for homeowners who have boiler systems, and requires the minimum amount of disruption to your home. It offers both a heating and cooling system that is perfect for seasonal transitions, although you can use it year round. It’s easy to install and easy to use, making it perfect for the homeowner who doesn’t like complex gadgets. Its small size and flexibility makes it perfect for apartments, home additions, or any area of your home that you want to keep cool or warm.

You can literally fit it anywhere, using the small wall-mounted unit or a completely hidden unit. If you have more than one area that you want to cool, you can connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor condenser, with the ability to have a separate thermostat on each floor of the home. The Fujitsu system runs quietly and also saves you money through its inverter circuits that provide more efficient cooling and Halcyon’s Energy Savings Program. The system knows when you leave the room and adjusts the temperature accordingly to help you save money on your energy bills. Not only is this system energy-efficient, it can also contribute to your family’s good health. Those suffering from allergies can benefit from the Fujitsu system because the deodorizing system reduces odors, absorbs dust and stops the growth of bacteria and mold through static electricity. Learn more about Fujitsu Mini-split Systems and how you can add one to your home here. When you own a home with a boiler system, there is no need to go through expensive home renovations to install duct work just to keep cool in the summer.