4 Ways to Ensure You Select an Energy-Efficient Unit
It is time to replace your current air conditioner unit, but the number of choices available make the decision a difficult and confusing one. While deciding your budget is necessary, picking a unit with the right SEER will ensure your unit saves you money in the long run. Furthermore, the right unit could eventually pay for itself, especially if you are upgrading from a low SEER to a high SEER value.
Picking the right SEER is a question many customers struggle with when it comes time for a new unit. While the minimum is 13 SEER, going with the minimum means that you will receive an affordable unit, but still spend significant amounts in annual costs.
Before you choose your new AC and dive in with the bare minimum, consider these four tips:
- A Few Numbers Makes a Difference: While the minimum might be 13 SEER, many units can go as high as 25 SEER. A 15 SEER makes a dramatic difference over a 13 SEER, just like bumping up to a 20 SEER would increase energy-efficiency versus an outdated 10 SEER unit.
- Higher is Not Always Better: While a higher SEER can help you save, they do cost more. Do not assume a 25 SEER is going to lower your energy costs to nothing or that it will cool your house quicker. A 13 SEER unit keeps your home at the same temperatures as a 25 SEER unit when your thermal rating is lower on your home.
- Improve Your Thermal Rating: If you want to get the most out of your investment, you need to improve your home’s thermal rating. You do this by insulating and sealing the ducts and upgrading windows. While you cannot do all of it at once, slowly adding thermal upgrades will improve your home’s efficiency over time.
- Consider What You Have Now: The SEER rating you have now plays a role in determining the SEER rating you need for your new unit. For example, a home with an 8 to 10 SEER can usually work fine with a 13 SEER unit. Also, consider factors like how long you plan to live in your home, the average temperatures, and how often you will use your air conditioner before going with the highest SEER possible.
If you are unsure about which SEER works for your home, contact the team at Comfort Solutions HVAC. We are here to help you not only find the right unit, but we will install it and help you maintain it, so you get the most from your investment.
Call us today at 610-438-9300 to schedule an estimate or contact us online with your air conditioner questions.
