There’s nothing like knowing that your Modesto home is as efficient as it can be. While some energy upgrades are easy to understand, air conditioner upgrades can be a little more mysterious. At Honey's Air & Solar, we have a lot of experience with various types of air conditioners. That’s why we want to help you gain a better understanding of the SEER ratings that measure the efficiency of air conditioners.
SEER Definition
SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Basically, this rating captures the efficiency of air conditioners by measuring how much electricity a particular unit uses to create its cooling output. A higher SEER rating indicates that an air conditioner is more efficient. SEER ratings range from a Federally mandated low of 13 to a high of 21. Units with ratings higher than 14.5 can qualify for ENERGY STAR® status.
Comparing SEER Ratings
SEER ratings are designed to make it easy for consumers to buy an air conditioner that will help them save some money on energy costs. Although it’s easy to understand that a higher rating indicates a more efficient machine, what’s less clear is how the different ratings relate to each other. Given average energy costs, you can figure that each higher SEER rating gains you approximately 7% in efficiency. It’s important to note, though, that a system with a lower SEER rating can actually exceed the efficiency of a higher-rated system if the higher-rated system isn’t installed correctly. That’s why it’s important to have a professional installer like Honey's Air & Solar do the job.
Achieving Greater Efficiency
There are many ways to increase the efficiency of a new air conditioning system. One very effective way to reduce the energy usage of a system is to reduce how much energy the compressor consumes. The compressor is the component that sits outside your home and compresses the refrigerant to increase its temperature. This allows the refrigerant to expel the heat it absorbs inside your home. This action requires a lot of electricity. A multi-stage compressor can reduce the amount of energy it uses by lowering its speed when the system demands are lower during cooler periods. A variable-speed blower fan works in a similar way, only blowing as fast as is needed to keep the house comfortable based on the temperature outside.
Different Types of Air Conditioners
When thinking through the efficiency of new air conditioners, it’s important to note that there are different types of air conditioners that are more efficient than a typical central system. For example, if you only need to cool a specific room in your home, then a ductless mini-split system is one of your most efficient options. For efficient whole-home cooling, you can’t beat the efficiency of a ground-source heat pump. A professional heating and cooling contractor, like Honey's Air & Solar, can discuss these options with you and help you choose the best one.
Cost Analysis
When you opt for a more efficient air conditioner for your home, it’s important to perform a cost analysis of your purchase. Since more efficient systems are more expensive, you need to determine if you’ll recoup the higher costs of the system in the form of lower utility bills during the number of years that you plan to remain in your home. If you’re planning on staying in your home for a long time, you can more easily justify the higher cost of a more efficient system since you’ll have a longer time to recoup your costs.
Maintaining Efficiency
An important component of HVAC efficiency is the amount you’re willing to invest in maintaining the system. A well-maintained system will be able to maintain its efficiency for many years, while poorly maintaining your system will soon cause your utility bills to increase. It’s important to replace your system’s air filter when it becomes dirty. You should also schedule maintenance visits from Honey's Air & Solar approximately two times a year. Another great way to reduce your energy usage is to install a programmable thermostat to more accurately control when your system operates.
Your Air Conditioner Experts
At Honey's Air & Solar, we’re proud to be able to take care of all your air conditioner needs. We can install an efficient new system or repair and maintain your current system. We can also take care of your furnace, install indoor air quality equipment, repair and replace water heaters, install solar arrays, and much more. For over 10 years, we’ve been working hard to serve our community with top-notch home-comfort solutions. That’s why we’ve been voted a NextDoor Neighborhood Favorite in Modesto and consistently receive five-star reviews from our customers. To learn more about installing a new air conditioner in Modesto, CA, contact us at Honey's Air & Solar today.
