Are you in the market for a new air-conditioning system? Air-conditioning systems that are more than 10 years old are one of the American home’s biggest energy hogs. The amount of electricity that these appliances use is a reason that homeowners summer energy bills are particularly high, and they’re also hard on the environment, thanks to the ozone-depleting refrigerant that they use.
However, newer air-conditioning systems, have made great strides in remedying these problems. Here are just a few ways in which air-conditioner technology has improved in recent years:
- Improved fan-blade shape
- A new ozone-friendly refrigerant
- Improved compressor technology
- Lower electricity usage
- A port for diagnostics
The Benefits of switching to a newer air conditioner
If you are concerned about the environmental impacts a new air conditioner may have, you can cast your fears aside. The refrigerant that most new air-conditioning systems use is R-410A, and it does not release ozone-depleting chlorine, unlike the refrigerant used in older models, R-22. R410A also makes for a quieter unit as the compressors make much less noise than the ones used with R-22.
Troubleshooting any issues is much easier for a technician than it is when your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractor has to work with an older system that doesn’t have newer diagnostic ports. Still another benefit is that owners of newer, more energy-efficient air-conditioning systems may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500. In some cases manufacturers may offer rebates in addition to the tax credit.
Newer units have improved SEER ratings
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measurement of how much cooling an air conditioning unit provides versus how much energy it uses. Older units typically have SEER ratings of 10 or less, whereas a newer unit must have a rating of 13 or more, per government regulations. Improved technology in newer units means lower SEER ratings and more cooling power for the money that you spend on electricity.
Mowery’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing has been in the HVAC business for more than 40 years. If you are in the Greater Indianapolis area, and have questions on new air-conditioning systems or need other HVAC or plumbing advice, we would be happy to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Mowery services the Brownsburg, Indiana and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
