Here’s a way help keep down your utility costs: Install a high-efficiency air conditioning unit. High-efficiency air conditioners are EnergyStar rated because they are manufactured to reduce energy use and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while cooling your home.
High-efficiency air conditioners earn the EnergyStar rating by meeting strict energy-efficiency guidelines set up by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These EnergyStar appliances have a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) than standard models. The SEER rating equals the A/C’s cooling output divided by its electric energy input. The higher the SEER ratio, the more efficient the air conditioner.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the best new air conditioners use 30 percent to 50 percent less energy than units manufactured in the 1970s. Compared to a unit that’s 10 years old, a new model will use 20 percent to 40 percent less energy. That reduction in consumption translates to lower utility bills.
Another benefit of owning a high-efficiency air conditioning system: It emits fewer greenhouse gases, which in turn reduces your carbon footprint. Greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution as fossil fuels are burned. EnergyStar-rated appliances use less energy, meaning less harmful gas is released into the air.
If you considering making a switch to a high-efficiency A/C — or if you’re installing a system from scratch — please feel free to consult the professionals at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating with any questions. We’re proud to serve the people and homes of Long Island.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about high-efficiency air conditioning and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
T.F. O’Brien services the Long Island, New York area. To get started, get a quote from us or check out our special offers.