Air conditioning accounts for roughly 15 percent of your home’s electricity costs, and replacing an old AC unit with less power can significantly lower this figure. Switching out for one that operates more efficiently could drastically reduce those bills.
Upgrading to a more efficient AC unit can help you save on electricity costs and qualify you for utility rebates; you can learn more here about claiming your APS air conditioner rebate.
SEER
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the cooling efficiency of air conditioning units. So, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is. Here’s how understanding SEER ratings can help cut down your energy costs:
- Energy efficiency: AC units with higher SEER ratings consume less energy. Every increase in SEER rating decreases energy consumption by 7-10 percent. By that measure, an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 16 will use up to 30 percent less energy than one with a 10 SEER rating.
- Long-term savings: High SEER rating air conditions may incur higher initial costs – however, over their lifetime, they can save you significantly on energy bills. Saving your household hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Environmental impact: Higher SEER ratings mean lower energy costs and reduced environmental strain, as efficient units draw less power from the grid, decreasing carbon emissions.
By opting for an AC unit with an impressive SEER rating, you can significantly cut energy costs while contributing to environmental protection.
Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats are another feature of modern AC units that can significantly cut energy costs. Here’s how.
Scheduled cooling
With a programmable thermostat, you can set your AC to only cool your home when needed – for instance, when at work, there’s no point having the AC running constantly. You can program it to start cooling an hour before you get home, saving energy and reducing costs.
Precise temperature control
Programmable thermostats allow for more precise temperature control, preventing the AC from running longer than necessary to achieve the desired temperature. This precision avoids unnecessary energy use, reducing your electricity bill.
Smart home integration
Programmable thermostats can also integrate with other smart home devices to automate certain aspects of air conditioning operation. For instance, your AC could be set off when your smart home system detects that you have left home and back on when on your way back home again.
Energy Star certification
A new AC unit with an Energy Star certification is another way to ensure energy efficiency and lower costs:
- Verified efficiency: Energy Star certified AC units go through immense testing to make sure they meet the highest standards of energy efficiency. An Energy Star label guarantees that the unit will consume less energy than non-certified models–leading to lower energy costs.
- Environmentally friendly: By choosing an Energy Star certified AC unit, you’re not only reducing your energy costs, but also contributing to a greener planet. Energy Star appliances reduce pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
Rebates
Purchasing a new, energy-efficient AC will not only cut down your energy costs – they can also grant you rebates. Government programs often offer financial incentives for homeowners who install high-efficiency ACs. Rebates can substantially decrease upfront costs for efficient systems while helping you lower energy consumption over time.