High efficiency air conditioners have changed over time. What it means today is very different from what it meant 20, 10, or even just a few years ago. Modern technology has changed resulting in changes to how we manage our everyday lifestyles. Additionally, various government mandates and rebates for utilities have also helped transform the industry for high efficiency systems. All of these things have impacted modern high efficiency air conditioners.
Air Conditioners that are high efficiency get their energy savings from high efficiency motors and the high exchange surface area. Most of the new units have large components both inside and out, and the additional surface area helps trap more heat and move it outside. This increases efficiency and energy savings each month.
Interested in upgrading your system to a newer, more efficient model? Contact our St. Louis heating and air conditioning experts today at 314-993-1110 or fill out our form to request a no-obligation quote for a new HVAC system.
What are High Efficiency Air Conditioners
High efficiency air conditioners are any new air conditioners that use modern technology to reduce energy consumption and meet a specific energy efficiency rating. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a rating used by the Department of Energy to measure the efficiency of air conditioners. The minimum efficiency allowed for an air conditioner is 13 SEER, and high efficiency air conditioners are ranked around 14, 16, or as high as 21 SEER. These numbers translate into how many watts of energy they consume per hour.
For instance, a 16 SEER (30,000 BTU) high efficiency air conditioners use 1875 watts of energy per hour, and a 13 SEER air conditioner uses about 2308 watts of energy per hour. This translates into 28% savings on the energy bill with the more efficient unit.
High Efficiency Air Conditioner Benefits
In addition to the monthly savings due to lower energy costs, another benefit of a high efficiency air conditioner is tax credits and rebates. It is common for the federal and state government to reward people for purchasing energy efficient models. Speak to your HVAC company about the possibility of getting a tax credit from the government or a rebate from the system’s manufacturer when purchasing a new energy efficient air conditioning unit.
Since high efficiency air conditioners use less energy, they also reduce your carbon footprint. This helps protect the environment while saving you money on utility bills. Look for Energy Star models, as they have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as being more energy-efficient without compromising on utility savings.
Air conditioners that are high efficiency also typically have features that make them perform better, like variable speed air handlers and two stage compressors. These benefits allow for even cooling and fewer temperature swings, adding to your overall comfort. The systems are built to reduce on and off cycling, so they have a longer operating life and require less repair work over time.
Contact Us to Find the Best High Efficiency Air Conditioner for Your Home
Now that you have read about how high efficiency air conditioning systems work, we can help you choose the best one for your household needs. It is crucial to get the right size, so call our local St. Louis certified professionals today at 314-993-1110 or contact our heating & air conditioning professionals online!
