We are Local… and We Care About Our Customers
Whenever we have the opportunity to share information about air conditioning and energy efficiency, rest assured we’ll post it! Our customers are particularly interested in cost savings, energy efficiency and reliable brands.
Expert Advice
According to Energy.Gov, when buying an air conditioner you should look for a model with a high efficiency. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). SEER indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. The minimum SEER allowed today is 13. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for central air conditioners with SEER ratings of 13 or greater, but consider using air conditioning equipment with higher SEER ratings for greater savings.
New residential central air conditioner standards went into effect on January 23, 2006. Air conditioners manufactured after January 26, 2006 must achieve a SEER of 13 or higher. SEER 13 is 30% more efficient than the previous minimum SEER of 10. The standard applies only to appliances manufactured after January 23, 2006. Equipment with a rating less than SEER 13 manufactured before this date may still be sold and installed.
Cooling Tips
-
Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible in the summer, and ensure humidity control if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
-
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
-
Consider using an interior fan along with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
-
Avoid placing appliances that give off heat such as lamps or TVs near a thermostat.
More Information
Energy.Gov has a helpful link covering the basics of air conditioning and how it works.
“While home cooling only accounts for 6 percent of the average home’s energy use, it can lead to high energy bills during the warm months. This summer, don’t let your energy bills go through the roof. Our Energy Saver 101 infographic covers everything you need to know about home cooling — from how an air conditioner works and the different types of systems on the market to proper maintenance and energy-saving types for lowering your cooling costs.”
Download individual slides or a high-resolution version of the Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Cooling below.
Aggie Aire cares about our customers! Trust us to advise and inform you so that your HVAC systems lasts as long as possible, regardless of the weather. 281-391-2665.
