Are you thinking about upgrading your air conditioning (A/C)? If so, there are several factors that you'll want to consider, including the price and size of the units that you're considering, as well as their SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. However, when upgrading your A/C, you also should remember to look for a variety of the high-efficiency features that are available on modern A/C units.
Upgrading your A/C to a higher SEER is important Every air conditioner manufactured today must include its SEER number on the EnergyGuide label. This enables homeowners to quickly and easily compare the expected efficiency of a number of systems. A unit's SEER number tells you how well the equipment can perform, by comparing the amount of energy that it consumes to produce cool air versus its cooling output during the course of a typical cooling season. It’s important to know that the minimum SEER-rated system you can purchase today is a 13, due to government regulations that changed the minimum standard back in 2006 from SEER 10 to SEER 13. As a result, manufacturers have responded with changes in technology that have led to air conditioners that are much more efficient than a SEER 13 model. Don't forget high-efficiency features when upgrading your A/C As a unit’s SEER number rises, so does its efficiency, because it generally will utilize certain features to advance the ratio of energy consumption to cooling output. In general, high-efficiency air conditioners use these features to reach efficiencies as high as SEER 24, including:
With SEER and efficiency-enhancing features, upgrading your A/C just got easier. For expert advice, or to schedule a free home consultation, contact Russell's Heating & Cooling today! Serving homeowners in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia since 1977. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about upgrading your A/C and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!