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Benefits of an energy-efficient air conditioning installation

Have your cooling bills been sky high this summer? Don’t jump to blaming the electric company right away, your bills might be soaring through the roof because your air conditioning unit is having to work harder to cool your home than is has in summers past. In other words, the older your air conditioner becomes the less efficient it is. The parts and equipment that used to run great, now lag behind. Besides higher cooling bills, you will also notice an inconsistency in cooling around your home. One room might be freezing while the others are slightly cooled. Also, you might be having to set your thermostat lower and lower just to reach the desired cooling temperature in your home. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to check into an energy efficient air conditioning installation.

Top benefits of an energy-efficient AC unit

1. Lower energy bills

While the thought of having a new energy efficient air conditioner installed in your home is an investment up front, in the long run, it is likely to save you money. Heating and cooling costs make up 50% of your home’s entire energy bill. Those costs are known to significantly reduce in the 1st month, sometime even by up to 1/3!

2. Fewer repairs

When your air conditioning unit is operating at a higher level of efficiency, it’s not having to work harder that necessary to cool your home. This means that the equipment will remain in better condition and need less repair work over time. This is also a bonus because it means more savings for you!!

3. Longer lifespan

In addition to fewer needed repairs, your higher efficiency air conditioning unit will also have the benefit of a longer life span since it will not have to work as an older and less efficient unit does. You want your investment toward an air conditioning installation to last as long as possible and with the proper yearly maintenance and tune-ups, your efficient air conditioning unit could last up to 20 years.

4. Rebates and incentives

Depending on which state you live in, there may be rebates and incentives available for installing a new energy efficient air conditioner. Make sure to do research on the rebates and incentives available in your area. Or you can ask you local HVAC professionals. They should be well informed on these types of programs to help you with some of the up front costs.

5. Environmentally friendly

By having an energy efficient air conditioning unit installed, you will be doing your part to help the environment. You might even look for more ways to make your home more energy efficient!

How is energy efficiency determined?

When it comes to an air conditioning unit, the level of energy efficiency is determined by the unit’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.) The higher the SEER Rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. The minimum SEER Rating for AC units is 14 but they can go all of the way up to a 23 rating. This is something to take into consideration when purchasing your new AC unit. The higher the SEER Rating, the more energy efficient your unit will be saving you even more money on cooling costs.

How to help your AC’s efficiency

In addition to purchasing an air conditioning unit with a higher efficiency, there are things that you can do to help your air conditioner become even more efficient. By taking a few simple steps, you will be helping to further reduce your cooling costs, protect your air conditioning unit from needing frequent repairs, and extending the overall life of your unit.

  • Inspect your Air Ducts: If your air ducts have gaps that cause cool air to be lost before it even gets to your home, then your air conditioning unit is having to work harder to compensate for all of that lost cool air. By inspecting your air duct system and having them cleaned regularly, you will ensure that the cool air that your AC produces will be reaching your home with maximum efficiency.
  • Keep Up with Regular Maintenance: Just like a vehicle, your air conditioning unit needs regular maintenance and tune-ups. It is suggested that your unit receives annual maintenance to ensure it is running at optimal levels.
  • Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed: A programmable thermostat will give you more control over the temperature in your home during specified times throughout the day. For instance if you want to set your thermostat to a higher temperature during the day when no one is home, you can program in those hours and the temperature will automatically adjust.
  • Other Ways to Keep your Home Cool: There are other ways that you can rely on to cool your home besides putting the full responsibility on your air conditioning unit. By adopting habits such as closing all curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day and using fans to help cool off a room will take some of the pressure off of your air conditioning unit.
  • Replace Air Filters: During the hottest months when your air conditioner is being used the most consistently it is important to pay attention to your unit’s air filters. They can get dirty and clogged quickly making your unit less efficient. If is recommended that during the peak months, your air conditioner is replaced every 30-60 days.
  • Clear Your Vents: By making sure that the vents that introduce the cool air into your home are exposed and unobstructed, the cool air produced by your air conditioning unit will be allowed to freely flow into your home.

Debunking 3 AC installation myths

An air conditioner has become a necessity in most homes in the United States. While the cooling device can operate for a long time without any problem, the reality is that they have a limited lifespan. Most air conditioners have an average lifespan of about 15 years, after which they break down.

When it comes to new air conditioner installation, believing in every piece of information that you stumble across can end up costing you money. If you fall for a myth that you read or hear somewhere, you will end up paying more money than you really should when installing a new cooling unit.

Here are three AC installation myths that are, in fact, not true. Learning about the reality behind the common AC installation myths can ensure that you don’t make mistakes when having a trusted company—like King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing—install your new air conditioner.

Myth #1: All modern air conditioners will save you money

While it’s true that most modern air conditioners have high-efficiency ratings, some of them may not be any better than traditional air conditioners. You should look for air conditioners with variable-speed motors, a two-stage compressor, highly efficient copper wires, and fan-only operation.

Also, you should consider buying an air conditioner with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of more than 15. The higher the SEER rating, more energy efficient the air conditioning unit.

Myth #2: The air conditioner can be installed anywhere, as the location of the unit does not impact performance

The location where the air conditioning unit is installed will affect its performance. Placing the unit away from sunlight will ensure optimal performance. Generally, the east or the north side of the home is the best place of a unit.

Also, the unit must be installed properly. Improper installation can result in the unit consuming up to 40 percent more energy. This would result in increased energy bills and frequent need for repairs. A  King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professional technician can ensure that the unit is installed properly by taking great care and precision.

Myth #3: You should buy the biggest unit you can afford for the house

Some people wrongly assume that buying the biggest unit for the house will result in optimal cooling. When it comes to size, you should not by a unit that is too large for the house cooling requirements. This will result in higher energy bills and wastage of money.

A professional air conditioner technician will assess the requirement of the house and inform you about the best size air conditioner. Be wary of technicians that recommend an air condition unit without evaluating the requirement of the house.

Professional Air Conditioning Installation in Chicago, IL

For more information on energy efficient air conditioning units and to speak with professional HVAC experts, give us a call at King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Our NATE Certified technicians install all makes and models of AC units and will come to your home to help you decide on the best options for your home. With our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee you are sure to be happy with your results!