Now that we are in the warm summer months you may be thinking about how to stay more comfortable in your home. Perhaps you have considered purchasing a new air conditioner or even replacing your old outdated air conditioner. Air conditioners typically have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. So if your air conditioner is approaching 12-14 years it may be a good time to start thinking about a replacement. If you are new to air conditioning or are considering replacement, here are a few things to help you along the way.
Efficiency
Air conditioner efficiency is measured by a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The department of energy defines this as the total cooling BTU’s (the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit) divided by the watts consumed. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient system. The federal government recommends replacing your air conditioner if it is more than 10 years old to increase energy savings. New units can save up to 20 percent on cooling costs.
Size
Size of the air conditioner depends on many variables including climate, square footage of the area, how well the home is insulated, windows, weather stripping, etc. Bigger isn’t always better though. You don’t want an oversized air conditioner installed because the unit will cycle on and off more frequently. This reduces its efficiency and is very hard on the compressor. The easiest way to find out the correct size of the air conditioner is to have one of our comfort specialists to come out and give you a free in-home estimate. A properly sized air conditioning unit can save money in reduced energy usage.
Two-Stage Cooling
A two-stage air conditioner is one that operates at two different levels depending on what is needed. On hot days it will operate at a high level and then on more mild days, it operates at the lower level. Two-stage air conditioners operate at the low stage most of the time, thus providing a quieter, more efficient performance. Two-stage technology optimizes performance compared to conventional single-stage systems, resulting in more even temperatures and lower utility bills. High-quality components assure a high level of reliability, even under the harshest outdoor conditions.
If you are tired of being uncomfortable in your home or are looking to replace your outdated, inefficient air conditioner, give Roth Heating & Cooling a call at (503) 266-1249 for a free in-home estimate or request a quick quote online.
