Can Buying a New HVAC Unit Save You Money?
The cost of a new ac unit might be intimidating, and buying a new air conditioner may not be exactly how you want to spend your money. However, investing in a new HVAC system could save you a significant amount on your monthly electric bill while keeping you cooler than ever this summer. According to the US Department of Energy, air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners, and an old air conditioner could be costing you significantly more in electricity if it is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Here are 4 reasons why a new HVAC can save you money.
EFFICIENCY
Over 15 years ago, the standard SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of the best available air conditioner was around 6 to 8. Today, the minimum allowable SEER rating for a new unit in the southern region is 14. This jump in efficiency means less energy is being consumed by your system, costing you less monthly. Hypothetically, if you have an older system from 10 years ago with a SEER rating of 10 and to upgrade your HVAC system to one with a SEER rating of 15, which is just above the minimum allowable rating, you would save 33% on your energy costs for the year. There are higher-efficiency systems available on the market that could save you even more.
PERFORMANCE
Newer systems can regulate the temperature in your home more precisely than older models.
New air conditioners use less energy to lower the temperature in your home, and when paired with effective insulation, it will keep your home cooler even longer. Most new units can also be paired with smart devices that can optimize your system’s energy usage and give you a detailed report on your system’s energy usage. There have also been improvements to fan blade shape and compressor technology so that newer units make less noise than old units.
CAPABILITIES
A new air conditioner can be compatible with smart thermostats and, through the thermostat, your smartphone. Smart thermostats give you the most possible control over your home’s temperature. If you are out of the house or out of the country, you can adjust your home’s temperature just by opening the thermostat’s app. A smart thermostat can provide accurate and informative information on your energy usage. You can often zero in on the correct temperature in your home to save you money on your energy bill. Some smart thermostats predict savings of 10-23% on heating and cooling costs. A newer A/C Unit may also be able to connect to The Weather Channel and adjust the temperature in your home accordingly.
The cost of a new ac unit and replacing your air conditioner might seem like a lot, but a new HVAC could save you significant amounts of money on a monthly basis. An old a/c unit may cost you hundreds of dollars more yearly than a new system. If your air conditioner is over ten years old, it may be time to upgrade, especially if it uses the R-22 refrigerant that has become so scarce. Upgrading won’t only save you money monthly on electricity usage, but it will offer you more options than ever before, including the possible compatibility with devices such as smart thermostats. If you have any questions about your current system or your upgrading options, please drop us a line here!
- Blog
- Community Happenings
- Energy Savers
- Health Benefits
- How to know the problem
- HVAC Problems
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Most Popular
- Projects
- Repair Tips