Summer is here and that means beach, vacations, and that oh so dreaded high electric bill. The number one energy drain on your wallet is your air conditioner and if it’s more than 10 years old you are literally throwing your money out the window every month.
Fortunately, there is a relief to those monster bills. Today’s AC systems are more energy-efficient than ever and come with manufacturer warranties that extend out ten years and more.
It’s All About SEER
When it comes to energy savings with your air conditioning system, the most important word is SEER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is what determines how much energy your system consumes. The higher the SEER, the lower the energy cost. The table below represents the dollar cost per square foot of various SEER ratings.
Annual $ per Square Foot for Residential Heating and Cooling
Climate Zone 6 SEER/ 6 HSPF 8 SEER / 7 HSPF 10 SEER / 7 HSPF 13 SEER / 8 HSPF 14 SEER / 8 HSPF 16 SEER / 9 HSPF 18 SEER / 10 HSPF 20 SEER / 10 HSPF
Florida 0.94 0.75 0.6 0.51 0.45 0.4 0.38 0.36
For example, if your ac system is over ten years old it is likely operating at or below a 6 SEER efficiency. If you have a 2000 square foot home, then your cooling costs in this example would be $1880 per year. The same 2000 square foot home with a 20 SEER system would only cost $720 per year, a savings of $1160 for just one year! Add that up over six years and you’ve more than paid for a new system just in energy savings.
Regular Maintenance Means Lower Bills
While a high SEER rating is the first step to lowering your electric bill, regular maintenance is key to keeping those bills in check. Making sure you change your filter monthly and having maintenance checkups twice a year to ensure smooth operation, all contribute toward lowering your monthly costs. You wouldn’t buy a new car and forget to change the oil. The same goes for a new AC system.
Ducts Can Be A Hidden Source Of Money Drain
If your AC system is relatively new and you’ve been keeping up with the regular maintenance, a possible source of your high electric bill could be your duct system. Most duct systems run through your attic and any tears or rips in seams can cause the duct to come apart and air condition your attic. This makes the system work overtime to keep up with the demand. If you notice a room not cooling as well as the others or if your system never seems to turn off, you might have a duct leak. An inspection by a qualified licensed AC contractor can check the duct system and identify any problem areas.
Call For A Free Replacement System Estimate
The licensed, insured and qualified professionals at Air Tech of Central Florida are happy to evaluate your particular needs when it comes to replacing your AC system. Call us today at (407) 901-2777 for your free, no obligation, in home estimate.
Author Bio:
Luigi Ferraro
Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC services, Air Tech offers a wide range of solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of their customers. Their team of skilled technicians is trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems with expertise and precision.
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