Central air conditioner units are extremely effective at cooling your home, but older systems aren’t very efficient and can waste a lot of money. If your system is getting old, it’s time to replace it with something newer and better. Check out these three benefits of getting a new air conditioner.
You Can Choose an Energy Star System
Most likely, if you have an older air conditioner, any new system you buy will be more energy efficient. There are near-constant advancements in energy efficiency, so even if you don’t check the labels or ratings, you’ll probably end up saving money on your monthly cooling costs.
However, if you buy an Energy Star system, you’re sure to save even more. Energy Star appliances must meet strict guidelines regarding efficiency, so they are the most efficient options available. Make sure to also check the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, which measures how much cooling the system offers when compared to how much energy it uses to do so. You want one that has a SEER of at least 13, but better energy-efficiency ratings increase savings.
Many Come With New Features
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Another benefit of getting a new system is that it may come with new features. One feature may be a programmable thermostat. Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher for eight hours during the summer can reduce your cooling costs, and a programmable thermostat makes this easy. Simply set it to automatically change after you leave for work, and set it to change back right before you get home. You stay comfortable, but you save money.
Another possible feature is zone control. Zoned cooling is the only way you can successfully cool different areas of your home without wasting money. Simply closing your vents won’t work. You need a zoned system that allows you to only heat specific zones and save money.
The System Won’t Use R-22 Coolant
One last advantage of getting a new system is that newer systems won’t use R-22 coolant. R-22 was the most commonly used refrigerant in air conditioners, but the EPA’s new guidelines prevent new systems from using it. This is because R-22 is dangerous for the ozone. Systems purchased before 2010 probably still use R-22.
However, R-22 isn’t just bad for the environment. It’s also dangerous for your wallet. Because R-22 is not allowed to be manufactured anymore, the cost is rising. If your system has a leak and needs more R-22, you may have to pay $35 to $175 per pound, and as less and less R-22 becomes available, the price will only rise. If you switch to a new air conditioner, it won’t use R-22, so not only will you be helping the environment, you will be reducing your costs if you need new coolant.
You don’t have to keep wasting money to cool your home during the summer. A new system is more efficient, may have additional features, and won’t use expensive and dangerous R-22. Get started today by contacting a contractor in your area and requesting a quote or more information.
