High Efficiency Air Conditioners Drastically Reduce Energy Costs! Calculate How Much You Can Save by Upgrading to a New Energy-Efficient Cooling System We all love air conditioning in the summertime; except, of course, when we see our electric bill! The air conditioning systems we grew up with were extreme energy hogs…and we usually paid a price for the cool comfort they delivered. Fortunately, times have changed, and we can enjoy substantial energy savings by installing and using today’s more technically advanced and efficient cooling systems. The efficiency at which air conditioners produce cooling is refered to as its SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency. Older air conditioning systems have a SEER rating of 10 or under. Today’s more efficient air conditioning systems have SEER ratings as high as 23. 

The United States now requires that residential air conditioning systems manufactured after 2005 have a minimum SEER rating of 13 (window units are exempt from this law, so their SEERs are still around 10). outside ac unit will not stay onThe SEER rating is usually shown on a yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker attached to the outside unit of the air conditioner.cost to run window ac unit How much energy and money can you save by upgrading from your old air conditioner to a modern, more efficient model?  central ac best brandsLet’s suppose your older air conditioning system had a SEER rating of 9. If you were to upgrade to a SEER 13 air conditioner (the lowest efficiency available), you would reduce your power consumption by about 28%. 

That can translate to energy savings up to $300 per year (depending on your usage rate and the cost of electricity). The Numbers Don’t Lie! The tables below will give you an estimate of the electricity you can save by upgrading to an air conditioning system with a higher SEER. Existing Air Conditioner Efficiency: New Air Conditioner Efficiency Expected Reduction in Electricity How High a SEER Do You Need? Central air conditioners that are in the top 25 percent of efficient models may carry the Energy Star® label. To qualify, they must have a minimum SEER efficiency level of 14. So, does all this mean that you should get the air conditioner with the highest SEER possible? SEER ratings only represent the potential efficiency of the system under perfect conditions. Over half of the system’s efficiency depends on correct equipment sizing for your home and proper installation.  So while looking for an air conditioning system with the EnergyStar® label is certainly the right start, what you really want and need is the right sized equipment operating at its optimal ratings within varying conditions, for your optimal comfort and savings.

Your Horizon Services comfort specialist will perform a thorough In-Home Energy Analyis to help you identify the most efficient system for your home, your needs and your budget…and see to it that they system is properly installed for optimal performance. Schedule a FREE In-Home Energy Analysis! Learn More About Upgrading to an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner! Learn More About Our Air Conditioning Services! Horizon Services has been proudly meeting the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer & water line needs of businesses and homeowners in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland since 1989. Buying a new air conditioning system is a big decision and investment. Purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioning unit will help you realize significant savings year after year. To qualify for a $150 air conditioning rebate: Purchase and install a complete new straight cool/air cooled high-efficiency A/C system. This includes both indoor and outdoor A/C units.

New unit must have a SEER rating of 16 or 17. New unit must be installed in a single-family detached home. Purchase your A/C system through a Participating Independent Contractor (PIC). View our heating and cooling guide. What’s the Cost of a New Central Air Conditioner in Arizona? If you’re in the market for a new central air conditioner in AZ, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost you when all is said and done. On average, the price to install a new central A/C unit can range from $4,000 to $25,000. The range varies greatly because there are lots of factors that affect the price. Those factors can be grouped under 3 main components: The contractor you choose The A/C unit you choose Let’s take a closer look at each of these 3 components. Choosing the right contractor is important because they are responsible for 2 crucial steps: Performing the initial inspection—During this inspection, your contractor will perform what’s called a “load calculation”.

This takes into account various aspects of your home (size, shape, insulation, local climate, etc.) and uses them to determine the size of the A/C unit(s) needed. Learn more: What Size Central Air Conditioner Do I Need? Installing the A/C Unit—The labor required to install your A/C accounts for the bulk of the overall price. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how much you’ll end up paying for contracted labor because some companies charge per hour and some charge flat rates. Beware of contractors who use rule of thumb estimates to determine your A/C size instead of performing a load calculation. Shop around (but don’t skimp)! Get several quotes for installation prices and inspections and don’t assume the lowest priced contractor is the best option. Choose a contractor that is qualified so that if things go south, you don’t end up having to pay. To play it safe, the company should be licensed, bonded and insured. Beware of contractors that charge hourly.

The price they give you is likely just an estimate that may end up costing you much more if they take longer than expected. These “add-on” prices can include: Duct installation—Your home’s ducts may need to be replaced or you may need new ones added. Duct cleaning and sealing—Your home’s ducts may be leaking and dirty. You may choose to have your A/C contractor take care of these problems at the same time that they replace your system. Insulation—Insulation may need to be added to your attic to save you money and keep you cooler. Adding/moving electrical lines—Your contractor may need to move or upgrade your A/C’s electrical lines. Hi-tech thermostat—A high-tech thermostat can let you do cool things like automatically adjust to save you money or even letting you set it from your smartphone! Add-on warranty—Your contractor may offer add-on warranties on your new A/C system that will cover any unforeseen problems in the future. Look for an A/C contractor who does additional work like this (electrical, ductwork) themselves.

You’ll likely save money by not having to hire several different contractors. Make sure, no matter what, that you at least have a 10-year warranty on the equipment and labor. Then, if the job wasn’t done right, you aren’t stuck paying for it! Here are the top 4 factors that affect the price of your A/C unit: SEER—The SEER rating measures how energy efficient an A/C unit is and how much it will save you in electric bills. See: How to Calculate The Energy Savings of Different Air Conditioners Size—A/C’s are sized in “tonnage” (1-ton, 2-ton, etc). The ton refers to the unit’s cooling capacity per hour. See: How to Know What Size A/C You Need Quantity—Does your home need more than one unit replaced? Brand—Bigger brands like York, Trane and Carrier may be more expensive but usually offer better warranties. See: What is the Best Brand of Central Air Conditioner in Arizona? Don’t go up a size more than what is calculated for your home.

A/C sizes are like clothing: the size that works best is the size that truly fits your home's cooling needs. Getting an A/C that’s too big results in high electric costs, poor cooling, and a shortened air conditioner lifespan. Remember that units with a higher SEER will be more expensive but offer more savings in the long run. Related: SEER Savings Calculator Tools: From Beginner to Advanced If your neighbor just had a new A/C put in and you decide to compare pricing, don’t get upset if the prices don’t match until you do a little more investigating. Did your quote have all the same bells and whistles as theirs? Need help getting started? If you’re looking for specific pricing on a central air conditioner in Arizona, contact a licensed, bonded and insured contractor like George Brazil Air Conditioning & Heating. Our professional A/C techs can guide you through the entire buying process. Schedule your appointment today for a free quote on your new central air conditioner.