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SEER
rating are the method used to describe the efficiency of
a particular equipment system. SEER stands for "Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio". The systems purchased today typically
range from 10.00 SEER to 18.00 SEER. If you have a home and
the current system is 10-15 years old, you may have a system
that ranges from 6.0 SEER to 10.00 SEER. Of course at the
time it was installed, 10.00 SEER was considered "High Efficiency".
Today, with all the focus on conservation and energy savings,
that "High Efficiency 10.00 SEER" from 10-15 years ago is
growing obsolete.
In
the chart, the left column indicates operating costs and the gradually
decreasing scale shows how with a higher SEER rating (numbers
along bottom of chart) the operating costs are reduced. In essence,
if you would have spent $100 to operate an 8.00 SEER system, by
installing a 14.00 SEER system, your operating costs would drop
to $57.00 as opposed to the $100 spent operating the lower efficiency
system. These are estimates only, and designed to show that with
the higher the SEER rating, the lower the operating costs.
If you have a 6.0 SEER, and you installed a new 12.00 SEER
or 13.00 SEER system, you would cut your power consumption
in half (in regard to your AC System). Considering that in
many cases the central air system represents the largest
draw
on power in your home, any improvement is a wise decision.
The systems
today are very advanced as you move up in the efficiency
range. They cost a bit more at initial purchase,
but when you calculate the energy savings -vs- dollars spent
they pay for themselves fairly quickly.
Lets look at an example:
Current system is 6.0 SEER and power bill runs $150.00 per
month.
A 10.00
SEER system is $1500.00 and your power bill may be
$125.00 per month.
Upgrade
to a 14.00 SEER system for an additional $800.00
and your power bill drops to $90.00 per month.
The price
between the 10.00 SEER and the 14.00 SEER is $800.00. The
monthly savings equate to $35.00 per month (14.00 SEER -vs-
10.00 SEER). Take the $800.00 difference and divide that
by the $35.00 savings and you would pay off the improved
system through energy savings in 22.86 months. Less than
2
years.
No matter what, you were going to replace the system with
at least a 10.00 SEER system.
Improved power bill, increased value of home, and your system
won't be obsolete in 2 years. Wise decision. Bear in mind,
the ratio of savings varies from household to household as
people live differently in each case. The example given above
is strictly as an example and there is no guarantee
that you will see that exact example in your home.
Cooling efficiency is measured in SEER (Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio) and heat pump heating in HSPF (Heating
Seasonal Performance Factor).
Ratings works like
gas mileage on your car.
 The
higher the SEER or HSPF number, the higher the efficiency and
the greater the energy savings.* For instance, if your old unit
is 10 to 15 years old, the efficiency rating could be a wasteful
6 SEER. This chart gives you a sample of you how much you could
save by upgrading to the Comfortmaker system that fits your needs.
* Savings percentages
based on national averages; may vary according to efficiency of
current unit and temperature zone location.
Some other Energy Saving Tips:
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- Seal the windows in your home around the frames
- Consider dual pane insulated windows when you opt to replace
your current windows
- Improve your insulation factors in your attic to R-30
- Seal the current duct system in your home with tape, fab
and sealants (mastick)
- Improve
the style of registers you currently have for better "Throw"
- Make
sure your cold air return is large enough for the system
(SEE BELOW)
- Install ceiling fans throughout your home
- Keep your filter cleaned and changed monthly
- Keep your unit serviced. Maintenance plans with your local
air conditioning contractor will do wonders for your system.
At least twice per year.
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These are just a few ideas that are proven to work. Common
sense should prevail in regard to maintaining your unit. A
maintenance plan generally cost less than $200.00 per year
all across the country and is a wise decision. It could mean
the difference between your unit lasting only 8 years or lasting
20 years. It is like changing the oil in your car.
I trust you do change the oil in your car?
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