Your air conditioning system is among your home’s biggest energy guzzlers. So when it comes to cutting your monthly energy bills – especially in the summer – maximizing savings in your home cooling system is a great place to start. If you’re considering a high-efficiency A/C upgrade or a new cooling system for your home (if your A/C is more than 10 years old, it might be time to do that), you’ll need to take into account efficiency, size, and other factors when making your buying decision. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of an air conditioner’s efficiency rating. Think of SEER as you would think of MPG in your car: the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is. Today’s new home cooling systems are required by law to have a SEER rating of at least 13 (most the central air conditioning models we offer have SEER ratings between 16 and 20, but some of our ductless models go even higher). If your older A/C unit has a SEER rating of 8 (as many older units do), it will use double the energy to produce the same amount of cold air as a similarly sized unit with a SEER rating of 16.

Of course, 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, so you have to consider the “payback period” for the unit. A typical 18 SEER central air conditioner will have a payback period of about 3 years over a 14 SEER model. Also remember that SEER only measures the efficiency of the air conditioner – it doesn’t take into consideration how well your home is insulated, the condition of your ductwork, or other factors that affect cooling. According to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), a properly sized air-conditioning system can reduce energy usage by up to 35 percent. If a unit is too big, it will also cost more and won’t do as good a job dehumidifying the air in your home. Determining the right size for you A/C unit isn’t just about calculating how much air you need to cool. Climate, the style of your home, the number of windows, the amount of insulation and shade and other factors all affect the size of the unit needed.

This kind of calculation is best left to a professional who will consider all these variables. Contact us to learn more about sizing a unit for your home. Contact Swezey today to get a FREE estimate on a new A/C unit for your home – just in time for summer!An air conditioning system keep inhabitants cool during hot summer months and directly affects the value of the home and its contents. Modern construction methods incorporate both heating and cooling into packaged systems that include total temperature and air quality conditioning. can u recharge window ac unitsThe conditioned square footage of the home directly affects its value. window ac units for garageThese systems are among the largest investments owners make in their home, so it is important for owners to be familiar with a few of the fundamental principles involved.exterior ac unit price

For homes that already have a furnace, it is often more economical to purchase a split system, according to Energy.gov. This adds a condenser/compressor unit that sits outside, and an evaporator unit that ties into the furnace and utilizes the existing heating ductwork and thermostat. This reduces the homeowner's initial cost of the upgrade, savings that can be used to further increase efficiency by adding a programmable thermostat and insulating ducts to improve cold air distribution. Due to strides made in energy efficiency, as well as the deterioration of efficiency in old units, some owners may choose to replace the entire heating and cooling system with a packaged system. This also provides more efficient heating for those who wish to upgrade from fuel oil furnaces or other outdated heating systems, while adding the central air conditioning desired. In packaged systems, the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and heat pump reside in one outdoor location. Making the investment in a packaged system can provide year-round energy savings and increased comfort for homeowners.

Outdoor environmental elements cause condensing units to deteriorate and become inefficient. Many homeowners chose to upgrade only the condensing unit with a high efficiency model, particularly when the indoor evaporator coil is still serviceable. When replacing only the condensing unit, it is important to ensure that the new unit matches the size and capacity of the remaining indoor evaporator unit. Proper sizing is essential. Engineers measure air conditioning capacity in British thermal units per hour, or "Btu/hr." For central air systems, engineers convert these to "tons" equal to 12,000 Btu/hr. Tonnage for average homes ranges from 1 to 5 tons, calculated on square footage. However, more tonnage does not result in better performance. Because of their high output, oversized units cycle on and off more frequently, increasing energy demand. They do not stay on long enough to circulate the air in the home, decreasing air filtering and dehumidification. With frequent stops and starts, these units are also subject to increased breakdowns.

Regional climate conditions require adjustments to any rule of thumb for sizing units, as do specific home site conditions. Extremely shady or sunny sites require an allowance of up to 10 percent. The number of people and pets occupying the premises also necessitate further adjustment. Whether purchasing new or used air conditioning equipment, homeowners should opt for energy efficient units, according to EnergyStar.gov. When purchasing overstock or used models, homeowners should check the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and inform themselves of current minimum requirements at the time of purchase. SEER ratings refer to energy efficiency during the cooling season. For units that contain a heat pump, owners should also check the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Homeowners who wish to cut costs can discuss direct sourcing with their contractor. Many work with an owner who can purchase the materials directly, and perform custom load calculations that accurately provide the specifications for purchasing new equipment.

Installing a new air conditioning system requires a variety of skills, including electrical, plumbing, and even programming skills. An experienced local contractor is familiar with requirements for inspection or permitting. Other tasks, such as adding programmable thermostats, insulating ductwork, or pouring the concrete slab may be more suitable for the do-it-yourselfers. Homeowners should contact several reputable contractors in their area for estimates. There is a wide inventory of home air conditioning equipment available from the sellers on eBay. Shoppers can choose an updated condensing unit or a combination condenser and evaporator coil. Homeowners can enter the specific model or required tonnage in the search bar on any site page, and then narrow the search further based on budget. Air conditioning equipment is heavy, so local sellers may provide a more convenient purchasing experience. Homeowners can easily increase the value of their home and the comfort of all who live there by adding to or upgrading central air conditioning.