We all want to cut our monthly expenses. As energy prices continue to rise, we start looking for ways to diminish the pain. Air conditioning is one of the greatest expenses in a modern home, and newer models are far better at operating at a lower cost. Two good things to know are the SEER rating (a measure of how efficient the unit is) and the ENERGY STAR (a marking designating air conditioners that work more efficiently). Depending on the kind of model you’re replacing, an ENERGY STAR unit with a good SEER can save as much as $491 a year, which will quickly make up for the cost of a new unit.
In addition to lowering the bills, newer air conditioners can help you cut your carbon footprint, preserving the environment. The key here is efficiency, which is greatly increased with a “smart” thermostat and quality insulation. At the same time, it is important to make sure your installation technicians are of the highest quality. If the service people don’t properly account for the dimensions of your home and the unit being installed, your efficiency could plummet, making the cost futile.
This infographic, produced by Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning, will help you decide when it’s time to get a new system installed in your house. The benefits are partly dependent on the age of the old system; anything over a decade old is going to have problems competing. Get a new air conditioner installed, and you’ll see a significant reduction to your cooling bills every month.
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