It’s finally starting to warm up in Dayton, and it might be time to start thinking about getting your air conditioning ready for summer. If your system is more than 10 years old — or if its performance failed to impress last summer — a high-efficiency unit might be a good solution.
High-efficiency air conditioning systems use significantly less energy than older air conditioners. Using less energy produces less carbon dioxide, creating less pollution. A reduction in energy use also translates to monthly utility savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can cut 20 percent to 40 percent of their cooling energy costs by replacing a decade-old system with a more efficient one.
Another potential benefit this year: federal tax credits. An approved unit will net a $300 credit, but the new system must be purchased and installed by the end of 2011. If you want to take advantage of the credit, it might make sense to upgrade now, before the summer heat hits.
A few factors to consider when shopping for an efficient A/C system:
- Size: Improperly sized air conditioners can decrease efficiency and make your home less comfortable.
- SEER rating: An air conditioner’s efficiency is measured by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher number represents better efficiency. New air conditioning systems are required to have a minimum SEER rating of 13, and the minimum for EnergyStar units is 14. Higher-efficiency air conditioners are generally more expensive, but the reduced monthly costs can make the investment worthwhile.
- Does it have a fan-only switch? That lets you use the unit for nighttime ventilation to further cut A/C costs.
- Noisiness. A new unit should run quietly.
The professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services can work with you to find the air conditioning system that is right for your home and budget. We also can help you calculate the monthly savings you can generate with a high-efficiency system. Please feel free to contact us today — we’re happy to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. To get started, check out our website or request an appointment.
