Although my old air conditioner was still operational, I made the upgrade to take advantage of the higher SEER rating and better comfort
In the area where I live, air conditioning is a necessity. The summer months bring intense heat, high humidity and very little breeze. There was a time when air conditioners were known for using a great deal of energy to operate. Fortunately, huge improvements have been made in the design and engineering of modern cooling systems. They are far more energy efficient and offer much higher SEER ratings. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and indicates the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. The higher the SEER, the better the air conditioner’s efficiency. Not that many years ago, a typical cooling system would have a 10 SEER or less. Today, top quality air conditioners achieve up to 26 SEER. Residential cooling systems manufactured after 2005 are required to have a minimum of 13 SEER. Replacing an outdated unit with a high-efficiency, Energy Star rated model often saves enough money on monthly electric bills to pay for the installation. Plus, newer cooling systems are better for the environment, covered by superior manufacturer’s warranties and offer a bunch of convenient features. It’s possible to link these air conditioners to a smart thermostat, set up zone control and take advantage of effective dehumidification and air filtration. Although my old air conditioner was still operational, I made the upgrade to take advantage of the higher SEER rating and better comfort. I immediately noticed a big improvement in the cleanliness, smell and overall feel of my home. I like that I can adjust the temperature room by room and make changes through an app on my smartphone.