Buying a new central air conditioning system is a big investment in comfort for your home and family, and it is important to know what you should look for when choosing a new system. Get familiar with some of the terms associated with AC replacement such as SEER ratings, Energy Star and energy rebates. There are many benefits to replacing your old system with an energy-efficient one, including better performance and saving money on energy bills. Here are a few things you should do when shopping for a new system.
Evaluate Your Current System
Are you happy with the way your current system performs? Do the rooms in your home stay reasonably cool? Does it make excessive noise when running? Is your system more than 15 years old? If you are not completely satisfied with the way your system performs you should consider upgrading it with a newer, more energy-efficient system. Newer systems run quieter, perform better, require less maintenance and save you money on energy costs. It is estimated that new systems consume 30-50% less energy than systems manufactured before the 1990’s.
Look for SEER Rating
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) rating of a system indicates how much energy the system uses to perform its intended purpose, which is cooling your home. The higher this rating is, the more efficient the system is. An older system in the age range of 10 to 15 years old might have a SEER rating of 6, a newer energy-efficient system manufactured under the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2006 guidelines requires a rating of at least 13 so there is a big difference in efficiency there.
Ask About Rebates
Rebates are tax credits that the government gives for homeowners who switch to energy-efficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems. The credits are based on the SEER rating and other factors on whether the system qualifies, but you can save between $50 and $300 on the purchase of your new system. Some utility companies also offer incentives for customers who have energy-efficient heating and cooling systems installed. So there are benefits to purchasing a new system other than just better performance.
Get Help
Your local Austin AC repair and replacement company – ABA – is an excellent source of helpful information when it comes to choosing air conditioners, heat pumps or a new furnace unit. There are so many options available to homeowners looking for AC replacement. A NATE-certified technician can explain the different systems, how they work and make suggestions based on the size of your home and your personal comfort preferences.
Getting the right size and model of air conditioner for your home makes all the difference in your comfort and helps keep your utility bills in check. Bigger is not always better and getting a system that is not sized right can end up costing you money instead of saving it. Call the HVAC experts at ABA Heating and Cooling when considering purchasing a new air conditioning or furnace unit. They are experts in AC repair and replacement.
