Before you purchase a new air conditioner, it is important to compare the seasonal energy efficiency ratios for a variety models. Every air conditioner has a SEER rating. This rating allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency of central air conditioning units. Since 2006, the lowest government-approved SEER rating is 13. Energy Star-qualified systems have SEER ratings of at least 14. Prior to 2006, the minimum SEER rating established by the U.S. government was 10 and many homeowners at that time had air conditioning units with much lower SEER ratings.
SEER is determined by dividing the cooling output by the system’s power consumption. The SEER rating is calculated in a controlled environment so you may not see the exact savings implied by the rating unless your home is energy-efficient. However, installing air conditioning equipment with a higher SEER rating than your previous unit should result in lower bills for your air conditioning in Sarasota FL, even if you don’t make any significant changes to your home.
Proper sizing is important when you choose a new air conditioning unit. If the new unit is too large, it may cause unnecessary humidity and eventually cause mold to develop in your home. Air conditioners that are too big are also result in higher than normal energy bills. While a smaller unit may be less expensive when you purchase it, the system will cost more to operate because it will be less efficient. Equipment that is too small for your home may also have a shorter than normal life span because of the decreased efficiency. Your HVAC contractor should help you choose the proper size for your home’s square footage and efficiency level.
When you upgrade to an air conditioning system with a higher SEER rating, you should see a decrease in your energy bills duing the cooling season. Your HVAC contractor may be able to help you find other ways to decrease your energy cost by making your home more efficient. By sealing windows and doors and using a programmable thermostat, you may be able to save more money on your air conditioning in Sarasota FL.
