Installing a new air conditioner is a significant investment. Therefore, it’s important to run the numbers and ensure you’re making the right choice.
One of the most common questions we hear from people considering a new HVAC unit is, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” As the premier choice for air conditioning service in Framingham, MA, there’s no one better to address this question, and the right answer is “almost certainly.”
Why a New AC Unit Can Lower Your Electric Bill
This HVAC system upgrade can save you money in the following ways:
You’ll Get a Unit With a Higher SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measure of air conditioning efficiency. Systems that deliver more energy-efficient cooling tend to have a higher SEER.
All modern air conditioner systems have a high SEER (between 15 and 30). The minimum standards have changed significantly over the years. If you have an air conditioner from the 90s, there’s a good chance the SEER rating is 10. If you have a unit from around the early 2000s, the SEER might be as high as 13.
Current regulations, however, have set the minimum SEER for air conditioning systems at 15. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), buying an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating can lower your electric bill by up to 40%.
Some people have also reported an 80% decline in annual bills by changing from an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 10 to one with a rating of 16. That’s a significant amount of savings, especially when you calculate the cooling costs over the 15-year lifespan of the average air conditioner.
So, if you’re asking, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” the first thing to do is check out your current system’s SEER rating.
You’ll Likely Choose a Better-Fitting Unit
Air conditioners aren’t one size fits all. If you’ve been living with an air conditioner that’s too big or small for your home, changing to a new one that’s the right size can bring about the electric bill reduction you’re aiming for.
An air conditioner that’s too big for your space will run shorter cycles. You will feel cool when the unit runs through a cycle, but you will experience higher humidity levels due to the frequent off-cycles. Additionally, the regular stop-start cycle will consume more energy.
On the flip side, an air conditioner unit that’s too small for your home will struggle to meet your desired indoor temperatures. Therefore, it will run longer cycles, leading to higher energy consumption. Since the system is under significant strain, you’ll also incur more repair costs.
Working with an HVAC technician to choose the perfect unit for your space is a sure way to reduce your cooling bills.
Your home’s square footage is only one of the various factors the HVAC technician will consider when recommending the new system. Factors like window placement, ceiling height, and insulation are just as important.
Other Benefits of Buying a New Air Conditioner
Beyond the cooling bills, other benefits of buying a new air conditioner include the following:
- Lower carbon footprint. New air conditioners feature ozone-friendly refrigerants such as R410A instead of the more volatile R-22.
- Quieter cooling. Thanks to advancements in HVAC engineering, modern air conditioning systems run a lot more quietly than their older counterparts.
- Increases your home’s value. A new HVAC system will attract more buyers than an older system.
When To Buy a New AC Unit
Now you know that a new air conditioner can lower your electric bill, the next step is deciding the right time to buy a replacement unit.
The first thing you should look at here is your system’s age. If your unit is already older than 12 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement.
Don’t wait until your air conditioner reaches the exact advertised lifespan. Start shopping early so you’ll have enough time to properly evaluate the air conditioner options, financing, and more. You don’t want to start rushing through the AC replacement process in the peak of summer.
Get Expert Advice From Pro Comfort Control
Are you still asking, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” Do you need professional input guidance on the AC repair vs. replacement argument? Schedule a consultation with our experienced technicians.
Call Pro Comfort Control today at 508-684-5331 for your premium-quality air conditioning solutions right here in Framingham, MA.
