If it’s time to update your AC, you might be wondering whether to purchase a high-efficiency unit. We recommend high-efficiency units for most people since they typically save homeowners a lot of energy— and money on energy bills!
AC efficiency is measured by its “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” or SEER rating. The higher an AC’s SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. However, AC units with high SEER ratings tend to come with a higher price tag.
If you’re trying to decide whether a high-efficiency AC unit is right for you, consider the following benefits:
- They keep your home more comfortable
- They last longer
- They lower your energy bill
- They’re more environmentally friendly
- They pay for themselves over time
Let’s walk through each of these benefits to help you decide whether a high-efficiency AC unit is the right choice for your San Marcos home.
Do you need a new AC installed? Contact Reliable Air!
If you need a new AC installed, turn to Reliable Air for honest, money-saving advice. If you’re not 100% satisfied with our service, we’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy—including giving you a full refund. Now that’s reliable service! Give us a call at (512) 580-8837 or schedule a FREE estimate today!
They Keep Your Home More Comfortable
There are three types of AC motors: single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed motors. Single- and two-stage motors only use one or two blower speeds to cool your home, but high-efficiency AC units use variable-speed motors, which keep your home at a more comfortable temperature.
Older AC units use a method of cooling that you might call “too hot, too cold.” These units turn on when the air gets too hot, blast cold air until the air is below your preferred temperature, and then shut off until the air gets too hot again. For homeowners, this means you’re constantly uncomfortable in your home since the air is always bouncing between temperatures that are too hot and too cold.
High-efficiency systems use variable-speed motors, which are the best option for hot, humid Texas summers. These motors automatically adjust their speed based on your home’s temperature, so they can keep your home’s air at a more precise, balanced, and comfortable temperature.
They Last Longer
Typically, AC units last 15–20 years, but high-efficiency systems won’t require as many repairs and have a longer equipment lifespan.
Because high-efficiency AC units use variable-speed motors, they don’t turn on and off as much as older AC units do. Turning on and off causes a lot of wear and tear to your AC unit, which can cause components to break or malfunction and require repairs and premature AC replacements.
Since AC units can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+, you want to get as much use as possible before replacing them. High-efficiency systems help you put off AC replacement for as long as possible.
They Lower Your Energy Bill
By definition, high-efficiency ACs use less energy, so they cost less to operate each month than lower-efficiency units.
One way high-efficiency ACs save energy is through their variable-speed motor. By running at a low motor speed for a longer time, they keep your home’s air closer to your desired temperature. This means your AC never has to use a large amount of energy to drastically change your home’s temperature.
High-efficiency ACs also use a more efficient refrigerant, and they’re often equipped with high-tech compressors that can store more energy and run at a lower capacity. All these features reduce the amount of energy that high-efficiency ACs use to cool your home.
They’re More Environmentally Friendly
All AC units depend on refrigerant to transfer indoor heat to the outdoors, which cools your home. Older AC units used refrigerant that damaged the ozone, but new, high-efficiency units use R410a, a safer refrigerant.
Additionally, high-efficiency ACs use less energy to operate, preserving electricity. Their reduced electricity usage makes them better for the environment.
They Pay for Themselves Over Time
Although there are many benefits to high-efficiency ACs, for many homeowners, the decision boils down to cost. In most cases, high-efficiency ACs pay for themselves over the lifespan of the unit.
There are 3 simple steps you can take to determine if a high-efficiency AC unit is worth the cost:
- Determine the extra cost to purchase and install it
- Determine the annual energy savings of a high-efficiency unit
- Divide the added cost by the annual savings to determine how many years it will take to pay back the cost
For example, let’s say you are considering purchasing a high-efficiency AC that costs $1,000 more than a traditional AC. However, each year, the high-efficiency unit will save you $100 on your energy bill. By using the formula below, you can calculate the payback years.
Extra Cost / Annual Energy Savings = Payback Years
In this example:
Extra Cost $1,000 / Annual Energy Savings $100 = 10 Payback Years
Since ACs last longer than 10 years, you’ll make up the cost of your high-efficiency AC unit easily during its lifetime. However, if you think you’ll move before ten years have passed or update your home before then, you may need to purchase a new AC unit. In that case, a high-efficiency AC might not save you money your time of usage.
Contact Reliable Air for the Honest Truth About Which AC Unit Is Best For You
Our knowledgeable technicians go through a rigorous interview process because we’re committed to hiring the best of the best. If you need help choosing the perfect AC unit for your home, our friendly technicians will provide you with honest advice, up-front pricing, and same-day service.
There’s a reason we’ve been in business 25+ years—the San Marcos community knows we’re the company they can trust. See for yourself by booking a FREE AC installation estimate or calling us at (512) 580-8837 today!