Know The Facts About Air Conditioning

Thinking about buying a new central air conditioner? Unhappy with the operation of your current air conditioner? Not sure whether to fix or replace it?

Many people buy or use air conditioners without understanding their components or how they operate. Today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970’s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

Central air conditioning systems are rated in Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This is a ratio between the total seasonal cooling output and the total electrical input. If you use a 13 SEER unit (the lowest allowed produced by law in the United States) as a base for energy consumption, purchasing a higher SEER rating unit could yield these estimated savings:

• 14 SEER = 7% reduction in energy use (2006 Energy Star® minimum) 2009 min = 14.5
• 15 SEER = 13% reduction in energy use*
• 16 SEER = 18% reduction in energy use*
• 17 SEER = 23% reduction in energy use*
• 18 SEER = 27% reduction in energy use*

* Tax incentives may apply. Contact your tax advisor for more information.

The money you save will vary depending on use, temperature setting and other factors regarding how the unit is operated. Because of this, the payback for purchasing an increased efficiency unit is unique for each user. New air conditioners with a higher SEER rating will cost more. However, the higher initial cost of an energy efficient model may be recovered to you several times during its life span. Warranties generally increase as the SEER rating increases, which also adds value to the unit.

Linn County REC has incentives of $100 and more for new or replacement central air conditioning units greater or equal to 14.5 SEER for residential members. All units must meet Energy Star® guidelines. For more information about this incentive download Linn County REC's Central Air Conditioning incentive form.

Once you purchase an air conditioning unit, remember to routinely replace or clean its filter every one or two months during the cooling season. This will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. Filters may need to be replaced more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, operates in dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house.