June 26, 2014

When shopping for central air conditioning systems, you may notice the yellow tags citing Energy Star energy guides.

These labels are there to help you ascertain the cost-effectiveness of the appliance in terms of its energy usage. What that tag is showing is the efficiency rate of the appliance and how it compares to other similar models, allowing you to make cost-effective choices.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating

The rating assigned to air conditioning units and other appliances is known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER. Originally, the government required an efficiency minimum of ten on all central air conditioners, but in 2006 that number was raised to thirteen to help combat rising energy costs.

Central air conditioner manufacturers strive for a rating between fifteen and seventeen. In order to achieve this, the air conditioner must have special features like variable speed fan blowers and motors that lessen electrical usage. Larger coils are also a good feature to help make heat transfer more efficient. The higher the SEER rating on the central air conditioning system, the more energy-efficient it will be.

Environmentally Conscious

For those who are concerned about the environment and the greenhouse effect, these SEER numbers are very important. The more efficient an air conditioner is, the less gases it produces. Not to forget, of course, that then expenditure on natural resources to fuel it is lessened.

Cost Effective and Efficiency

If you are in the market for a new central air conditioner, ask for advice from a licensed HVAC technician. The technician can lead you to the best brands that will deliver the cool air you need at the lowest possible expense to your utility bill. The savings you will see will far outweigh the cost of your new air conditioner in just a couple of years.

You can also take steps to further increase the efficiency of your central air conditioner with proper and timely maintenance. Have it cleaned and serviced at the beginning of each season to ensure that it is running optimally. Frequently changing the filters will also help with efficiency. You could even take the extra step of upgrading the filter you are using to a higher efficiency level.

Installing and using a digital programmable thermostat is also fundamental in running an efficient central air conditioning system. The ability to control the climate of your home from hour to hour will be a great benefit to your monthly energy bill. Consider a zoning system if your home is large or has a lot of unused square footage. This will allow you to control the flow of cool air so that it only reaches the areas where you need it most.

Using the Yellow Star Energy Guides

Those little yellow tags have gone a long way in helping consumers keep their energy usage at bay. When shopping for a new central air conditioner, don’t dismiss their usefulness. You will find that the information given there is very accurate. For additional help, call Scott-Lee Heating Company at (314) 200-0788. We will be happy to assist you in choosing the right air conditioning system for your home.

Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org via Google