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While we all love the comfort our air conditioning units provide in the summer, we don’t love the higher energy costs that come with running those cooling systems. However, high-efficiency units can actually help lower those energy bills. To qualify for the Energy Star label and be considered a high-efficiency cooling system the units need a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating higher than 14.5. Along with helping to save money, there are other reasons why Manassas, VA homeowners should consider upgrading their home cooling systems to a high-efficiency model.

Reduce Energy Costs

For many, the most important reason for upgrading to a high-efficiency cooling system is because they help reduce energy costs. Many older air conditioning units have a SEER rating of 10 or lower. On the other hand, the more efficient air conditioning systems manufactured today have SEER ratings that can go as high as 23. Today, the United States requires residential air conditioning units to have a minimum SEER rating of 13. The only exception to this is window units, which are still allowed to have SEER ratings around 10.

Upgrading to a newer and more efficient air conditioner can immediately start saving you money. For example, if you have an older air conditioning system that has a SEER rating of 9 and you upgrade to a unit that has a SEER rating of 13, your power consumption would reduce by around 28 percent. That equals energy savings of about $300 every year.

Tax Credits and Rebates From the Government

If you purchase a new high-efficiency central air conditioner, you could be eligible for a tax credit from the federal government. Your HVAC contractor can help you find the tax credits for which you qualify and provide the necessary statement to verify your eligibility. Additionally, while there are no federal rebates available for upgrading to high-efficiency cooling systems, many local and state governments do offer some. Often, you can combine these rebates with tax credits for even more savings. However, some are only available for a limited time, so it helps to do your research before you make a purchase.

More Efficiency From Your Unit

Typically, high-efficiency air conditioners come with features such as two stage compressors and variable speed air handlers. This means they’re not only more efficient and consume less energy, but they also make your home more comfortable. These features offer fewer temperature swings and more even cooling in your house.

Help Out the Environment

Air conditioning units used to use Freon, also known as R-22, as the refrigerant chemical. Unfortunately, we later learned that R-22 is a HCFC, which contributes to ozone depletion. Therefore, in 2010, R-22 was discontinued as a refrigerant in new air conditioning systems and it’s being phased out. In its place, a new refrigerant called R-410A is being used.

R-410A is a HFC so it doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion. It’s been approved for use in all new residential air conditioners and is now the standard for air conditioning systems in the country. If you have a cooling system made before 2010, chances are your refrigerant is R-22. Upgrading to a new high-efficiency unit means you’ll help out the environment by getting rid of this ozone-depleting chemical.

A Longer Operating Life With Fewer Repairs

Ordinarily, high-efficiency air conditioners experience less wear-and-tear when compared to lower-efficiency units. As a result, when less stress is placed on the unit, the need for repairs also decreases significantly. Therefore, when you look at the lifetime of a unit, fewer repairs will increase the value of your investment and save you money.

Additionally, because high-efficiency cooling systems experience little wear-and-tear, they usually have longer operating lives than their lower-efficiency alternatives. Obviously, you’ll save money over the years if you invest in one high-efficiency unit versus multiple low-efficiency units.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a high-efficiency cooling system to enjoy these and many other benefits, contact the professionals at Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391 to see how we can help you.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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