Thinking about how hot your home will be this summer? Can you fry an egg on the windowsill? At Jennings Heating and Cooling, we don’t want to charge you an arm and a leg for an installation, but we don’t want you to get something that is so expensive to use that you turn it off in sweltering heat to save the electric bill either.
It’s time to evaluate your options for home cooling systems for comfort, looks, and economy as we start comparing types of home cooling systems.
How do I Compare Different Styles of Home Cooling Systems?
Air conditioners come in a variety of styles, efficiency ratings, and prices. Which brand is the best?
At Jennings, we use the SEER ratings to determine the efficiency of the different units. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is. The federal minimum is 13, and the current highest SEER rating number is 23. A unit rated 23 will use less energy to run than a 13 will.
Think of this like you would MPG ratings on a new car sticker. Bigger is better, but these are estimated numbers. Just as a car rating depends on the gasoline type, the type of driving done, and several other factors, the SEER rating depends on how much you run it and other factors. It is an estimate of what the unit is capable of to use for comparison purposes.
By dividing the air conditioner BTU rating by its SEER rating, you can determine how many watts per hour it uses. This will give you an idea of the cost of running each unit.
Other Considerations
In addition to the SEER rating, take a look at:
- Square footage of your home
- Home insulation
- How noise may affect you or your neighbors
Also, evaluate each unit against your preferences:
- Is it OK to have an outdoor unit?
- Do you have zoning laws?
- Is noise a factor? Check the decibel rating
- How well is your home insulated?
- How long will you live here?
- Do you want to put a lot of money in a unit that is being installed just to sell your home?
- Is the installation cost or the operating cost more important?
Don’t let all this become overwhelming. At Jennings, we calculate the numbers for you to make a recommendation for the best option for you. With years of experience in the air conditioning industry, we can advise you of the best choices for your home.
Download our free book for more information about air conditioning. Contact us for an appointment to do an energy consultation or to install a new air conditioning unit for you.
