One of the best ways to save money is to upgrade your old air conditioning unit. When summers are hot like they tend to be in Drexel Hill, PA, having a cooling system that does not cost a lot is essential. New models are energy efficient, and since they have newer parts, they are less likely to require maintenance in the near future. Let’s explore four ways installing a new AC unit helps you save money.
1. Consumes Less Energy
When an AC unit consumes less energy, it is a more efficient system overall. You can see the enhanced efficiency in a number of features that you may not even consider as aspects that help you save money.
Energy-Saving Mode
Most of the new AC units that you install in your home will have an energy-saving button that is more eco-friendly. When this mode is in use, the temperature changes gradually by increasing and decreasing the speed of the fan. This way, the comfort of your living space is not compromised by turning the temperature down drastically.
This also reduces the amount of energy used and contributes to decreasing the carbon footprint you make. New AC systems use less refrigerant than older models, and they use a type of refrigerant that has a lower chance of damaging the environment.
Variable Speed Settings
Depending on your home’s cooling demands, a variable-speed option that allows the fan to adjust to your needs can be beneficial. However, having the cooling system on at full blast is not always the best option, especially when the temperature outside is cooler due to cloud cover or rain.
Maintaining a specific temperature in the home is ideal, but on colder days, you may want to set it to 70 degrees instead of 65. This variable speed allows the temperature in the home to adjust gradually to the temperature you prefer instead of simply jumping from a high to a low setting.
Increased Airflow
When the distribution is more efficient because fans move the air and create more airflow, the unit requires less energy consumption. This is because the AC does not need to work as hard to cool the air in your living space. Increased airflow also helps keep you comfortable in your home environment.
Better Insulation
Having good insulation in your cooling system ensures that the ducts do not leak. Without air leaks, your cooling is more efficient, which means your energy bill has the potential to be lower. Both heating and cooling systems use ducts, so if you are losing cool air, you are losing heat as well. If the ducts in your system are too old to insulate, one of our team members at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning can schedule a duct replacement.
Easily Programmable Features
Most new air conditioning systems have programmable features to better control the temperature. The unit becomes a smart device that permits temperature adjustments from your phone. This means that you can adjust the temperature to use less energy when you are away from home and set it to your preferred temperature when you are going back to your living space. This is energy efficient, and you will not notice the change in temperature while you are not home. You will return home to a comfortable living space.
2. Longer Life Span
Most new AC units have features that make them more efficient. As a result of this, they do not need to overwork, so they tend to require less maintenance and have a longer life span. Older units have a tendency to break down more often and require more costly repairs. A newer model will not have many maintenance concerns, and if it does, there is usually a warranty to cover it. An energy-efficient air conditioning unit can last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance, so you can save quite a bit on the price of buying a brand-new model.
3. Better Fit for Size of Home
Air conditioning systems have a design that cools a room or space of a specific size. This means that if the AC is not cooling the air effectively, the unit may not be the right size for your living space. Upgrading to a larger air conditioning unit that handles a bigger space will ensure that the unit does not need to overwork.
If upgrading is a priority, call a member of our team at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning so that we can help you find the right unit for your needs. We will take the size of your home, the average temperature, the humidity, and anything else that would come into play with your cooling needs to find the best option for your home.
4. Rebates and Incentives
When you purchase a new energy-efficient device, there are often incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of to help you get money back and offset the cost of the initial investment. One of the main incentives that you will encounter is the purchase incentives that come when you purchase an appliance with a high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating.
SEER ratings vary based on the unit that you purchase, but most air conditioning units have a rating between 13 and 21. Higher is not always best, but consider the level of efficiency compared to the initial cost of the unit to see if the installation of a higher SEER rating unit is beneficial for you. With the installation of a new AC with a high SEER rating, you are likely to see energy bill savings of up to 40%.
Check to see if your electric company offers rebates for using these types of air conditioning units. There are also federal, state, and local rebates that you may be eligible for, so check with local agencies to see what is available in your area. HVAC companies may also know about incentives that are available where you live.
Tax credits are another way to get some money back and offset the investment that you already spent. Make sure that you save receipts and documentation of the purchase and the installation in your home. If you qualify, the federal government will credit you an amount that is up to 30% of the cost of the air conditioning system.
Contact an HVAC Technician at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning
Upgrading your air conditioning unit is a great way to save money, especially when the heat and humidity in the summer get high. At O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning, we have been in the HVAC business, serving the Drexel Hill community for 70 years. We strive to make sure your heating and cooling systems keep you and your family comfortable all year. Your satisfaction is our priority, so regardless of whether you need a new air conditioner, better insulation in your ducts, or to improve the air quality in your home, we are here to help.
At O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning, we are one of the best AC services and heating companies in Drexel Hill. Contact our team for a complete inspection of your heating and cooling system today!
