What is a SEER Rating?
The efficiency of air conditioners is often rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which is defined by the
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.
As of January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13.
Substantial energy savings can be obtained from more efficient systems. For example by upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER
13, the power consumption is reduced by 30%. It is claimed that this can result in an energy savings valued at up to
US$300 per year depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity.
With existing units that are still functional and when the time value of money is considered,
most often retaining existing units rather than pro actively replacing them is the most cost
effective. Maintenance should be performed regularly to keep their efficiencies as high as
possible.
When either replacing equipment, or specifying new installations, a variety of SEERs are
available. For most Florida homes, the minimum or near-minimum SEER units are economical to
buy, but with the longer the Cooling season, the higher the electricity costs, and the longer
the purchasers will own the systems, incrementally higher SEER units are justified. Ask for
Energy Star products.
The efficiency of air conditioners is often rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which is defined by the
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.
As of January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13.
Substantial energy savings can be obtained from more efficient systems. For example by upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER
13, the power consumption is reduced by 30%. It is claimed that this can result in an energy savings valued at up to
US$300 per year depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity.
With existing units that are still functional and when the time value of money is considered,
most often retaining existing units rather than pro actively replacing them is the most cost
effective. Maintenance should be performed regularly to keep their efficiencies as high as
possible.
When either replacing equipment, or specifying new installations, a variety of SEERs are
available. For most Florida homes, the minimum or near-minimum SEER units are economical to
buy, but with the longer the Cooling season, the higher the electricity costs, and the longer
the purchasers will own the systems, incrementally higher SEER units are justified. Ask for
Energy Star products.
Temperature
With temperatures rising and cooling systems running for longer periods of time, it's the
ideal time to take control of your electric bills.
One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to reduce your air conditioning costs is
to adjust your thermostat setting. The savings can be significant when you set your
thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For each degree you raise your
thermostat setting, you reduce seasonal cooling costs by 7 percent to 10 percent. By
using ceiling fans to supplement an air conditioner, most people can raise their
thermostat setting three degrees and feel just as comfortable.
With temperatures rising and cooling systems running for longer periods of time, it's the
ideal time to take control of your electric bills.
One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to reduce your air conditioning costs is
to adjust your thermostat setting. The savings can be significant when you set your
thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For each degree you raise your
thermostat setting, you reduce seasonal cooling costs by 7 percent to 10 percent. By
using ceiling fans to supplement an air conditioner, most people can raise their
thermostat setting three degrees and feel just as comfortable.
Does closing vents save energy?
Customers often ask, "Can I save energy by shutting off central-system air vents in unoccupied rooms of my home?" Studies
consistently shows that this practice saves little energy and, in some cases, may actually raise operating costs. By design, central air
conditioning and heating systems are sized and constructed to distribute a specific quantity of air throughout a home.
Consequently, closed vents may alter the amount of air moved, and disturb the balance and operation of the system. This, in turn,
may result in reduced operating efficiency and increased operating costs.
Customers often ask, "Can I save energy by shutting off central-system air vents in unoccupied rooms of my home?" Studies
consistently shows that this practice saves little energy and, in some cases, may actually raise operating costs. By design, central air
conditioning and heating systems are sized and constructed to distribute a specific quantity of air throughout a home.
Consequently, closed vents may alter the amount of air moved, and disturb the balance and operation of the system. This, in turn,
may result in reduced operating efficiency and increased operating costs.
A/C System Efficiency
In an efficiently operating heat pump or air conditioning system, room
air is pulled into the return side of the system by the air handler fan
and pushed into the supply side of the system. With no leaks, the
duct system is a closed loop. Air coming out of the supply registers is
the same that entered the return grills. The home experiences
better indoor air quality and provides comfort at a lower cost.
In an efficiently operating heat pump or air conditioning system, room
air is pulled into the return side of the system by the air handler fan
and pushed into the supply side of the system. With no leaks, the
duct system is a closed loop. Air coming out of the supply registers is
the same that entered the return grills. The home experiences
better indoor air quality and provides comfort at a lower cost.
- In many houses, heating/cooling costs can be cut 20 percent
to 30 percent when leaks are eliminated.
- A 13 SEER system with 30 percent leakage works no better
than a 10 SEER system with no leakage.
- A system that has to work harder wears out faster, taking
your investment with it.
- Duct leaks force your system to run longer and work harder.
Energy Savings Tips
- Reduce the amount of the sun’s heat that enters your home, increase your comfort, and lower your energy costs – by
installing energy-efficient windows, window film or screen on your home.
- Clean or change your filters monthly. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent. Don't block registers and
return vents with furniture or drapes.
- Be sure your filters are clean. They should be checked monthly. (Remember to check filters that may be in a unit located
in the attic.)
- Coils of an outdoor unit should be free of debris and not blocked by plants, shrubs, etc.
- Be sure the return air grill inside your house is not blocked by furniture or other items. (If you have more than one return,
check them all.) A return needs a free flow of air for the air conditioning to operate most efficiently.
- Use a ceiling fan or portable fan to supplement your air conditioning. A fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler
(and only costs a half-cent per hour to operate) so you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and save on cooling
costs. Use in occupied rooms since fans cool people, not rooms. As a safety precaution, turn off ceiling fans when you leave
your home.
- Keep doors and windows closed when air conditioning is on. Turn off kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans when your air
conditioning is operating.
- Caulk and weather-strip leaky windows and doors.
- For central air conditioning systems, keep the fan switch on your thermostat in the "auto" position when cooling. This gives
you better cooling and humidity control. Having the fan switch "on" continuously could cost $25 extra a month on your
electric bill.
- If you suspect your air conditioning system is not cooling properly, have it checked promptly. A unit that is having
operational problems can cause extremely high bills.
- If your air conditioning equipment is older and less efficient, compensate by being extra careful about temperature
settings, hours of operation and filter condition.
- If your furnace or air conditioner is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with an energy-efficient heat pump.
- Install programmable digital thermostat
- Have heating/cooling system checked twice annually for optimum operation (once per season)
- Replace heating system with a high efficiency heat pump.
- Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces.
- Have duct system tested and repaired if necessary.
- Use shades or drapes to block the hot sun from heating up your home. Use awnings, trees and shrubs to shade your
home.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. In existing homes, wall insulation may be too expensive to install, so
concentrate on attic and floor insulation.
- Minimum Insulation R-values (Florida):
- Ceiling: R-19 or R-30
Wall: R-11 in frame wall, R-5 in CBS walls
Floor: R-11 in floors (suspended frame only)
- Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the sun's rays from heating your house.
- Reduce hot water used for washing clothes.
- Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water use.
- Switch to fluorescent bulbs for areas of constant use, such as the kitchen.
- Turn off all small electrical equipment, such as radios, VCRs or TVs when not in use.
- Turn off the lights when leaving an empty room.
- If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use.
- Use your microwave or counter top appliances for cooking instead of the oven or stove.
- Solar window screens - do a much better job of minimizing solar gain – and keeping bugs out than traditional screens
- Window film - reduces glare, provides daytime privacy and lowers indoor temperatures without air conditioning.
- Add reflecting or heat-absorbing treatment to glass area.
- Eliminate hot spots in rooms with window coverings and/or blinds.
- Install high-efficiency double-paned windows added bonus : may also help reduce outside noise.
Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat on the highest comfortable setting. If you're leaving for the
day, turn it up a couple of degrees. Do not turn your cooling system off unless you'll
be gone for an extended period of time.
If you have a heat pump, adjust your thermostat in small increments to avoid the
operation of the supplemental heat strip in your system. Energy consumption is
much higher when the heat strip is in use. A steady setting on your heat pump
thermostat produces constant comfort and minimizes the use of the less efficient
resistance heat strip
Set your thermostat on the highest comfortable setting. If you're leaving for the
day, turn it up a couple of degrees. Do not turn your cooling system off unless you'll
be gone for an extended period of time.
If you have a heat pump, adjust your thermostat in small increments to avoid the
operation of the supplemental heat strip in your system. Energy consumption is
much higher when the heat strip is in use. A steady setting on your heat pump
thermostat produces constant comfort and minimizes the use of the less efficient
resistance heat strip
Air Tight Duct Work
The EPA calls "indoor air pollution" the country's leading environmental
health concern. In many homes, duct leakage is the main cause of indoor
air quality problems. Leaks can pull in irritants and pollutants like:
Duct leakage prevents your heating or cooling system from doing its job.
Leakage can cause your home to be too cold in winter, too warm in
summer, or too humid or "clammy." With a heat pump, duct leaks can
cause the air coming from vents to feel lukewarm or even cool in winter.
The EPA calls "indoor air pollution" the country's leading environmental
health concern. In many homes, duct leakage is the main cause of indoor
air quality problems. Leaks can pull in irritants and pollutants like:
- Pollen and dust
- Insulation fibers
- Automobile exhaust
- Mold and mildew spores
- Insecticides
- Vapors from stored chemicals
Duct leakage prevents your heating or cooling system from doing its job.
Leakage can cause your home to be too cold in winter, too warm in
summer, or too humid or "clammy." With a heat pump, duct leaks can
cause the air coming from vents to feel lukewarm or even cool in winter.
Just a few small changes in your household routines can add up over the year to big
savings on your utility bills.
savings on your utility bills.
ENERGY STAR qualified Central Air Conditioners
must have a SEER of at least 14.
must have a SEER of at least 14.
Our state-of-the-art duct cleaning equipment utilizes advanced
fiber optic imaging for a complete picture of your ducts.
fiber optic imaging for a complete picture of your ducts.
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| "Your needs are our Priority We'll answer the phone 24/7!" |
| "Your needs are our Priority We'll answer the phone 24/7!" |
| (352)622-7203 Ocala |
| (352)245-3752 Belleview / Summerfield |
| Temperature A/C System Efficiency SEER ratings Air tight duct work Thermostat settings Air Vents Energy Saving Tips |
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