Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS
Handyguys Brian and Paul bring in HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) expert and the co-owner of Interstate Air Conditioning and Heating, Raymond Kishk, to talk about energy efficient air conditioning systems.
This information will help you choose an energy efficient air conditioning system and keep your current unit running efficiently.
Invest in Energy Efficient Air Conditioning with Higher SEER Rating
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) simply indicates how much energy is required to run the unit. Many appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators have SEER ratings. The higher the SEER rating the more efficiently your appliance runs. According to Raymond, the lowest SEER rating is about 8; but some states require a SEER rating of at least 12 or 13.
He adds that although two different brands may have the same SEER rating, you may want to compare the features that each has to offer. An air conditioner with a timer, for example, also contributes in saving energy.
Consider an Energy Efficient Air Conditioning unit with VRV system
Air condition units with VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) system are especially advantageous if you’re looking to provide air conditioning to several rooms in one house or building.
Raymond explains that this system has one condensing unit and allows you to set up 10 to 15 blowers for different rooms, which lets you adjust the temperature individually. Plus, if one blower breaks down, the air conditioning in the other rooms will not be affected.
Maintain, maintain, maintain for “Energy Efficient Air Conditioning”
No matter how high the SEER rating of your air conditioning unit, failing to perform proper maintenance will still add expenses. Raymond mentions that a dirty filter adds at least five dollars a month to your bills. A dirty coil makes your air condition work 30% harder.
The good news about the new energy efficient air conditions we have today is that maintenance is not any more difficult than old units despite the new technology that it has. With proper maintenance, you can keep your costs at a minimum.
Hopefully Raymond has shown you that it is cost-effective to purchase an air conditioner with a high SEER rating.
Thanks for sharing! I had no idea about SEER ratings, and that little things like the filter and what not can add such costs if not maintained. I’ll definitely keep this in mind when I buy a house and AC maintenance comes up!
The blog is of great help to me. It’s very informative! Actually I didn’t know about SEER ratings at all and when I came to know about it from here I immediately got in touch with a HVAC installer for proper maintenance of my AC. Thanks for the post.
Great post! It really helped me and I also didn’t know about the SEER Rating and the other stuff…
This blog is very informative. In some country there is SEER rating is identified as energy efficient mark but in some country like this mark there is ENERGY STAR rating. In Energy star highest value is 6 stars. It will be wise decision if we buy the electrical components value of energy star or seer rating
It might sound like a detail, but the filter use in your A/C or furnace can have a impact in energy cost. When shopping for a new air filter, try to find the pressure drop of the filter vs. the efficiency of the filter (MERV rating)
CAMFIL has a great product, the CAMFIL 30/30 MERV 8 mechanic. Reading there product data sheet, they claim to cut down cost by 30%
Energy efficient air conditioners are a great way to increase the energy efficiency of a home. When combined with energy efficient windows and insulation in the attic, you have no choice but to save money.