Are New Air Conditioning and Heating Systems Really That Much More Efficient?
The short answer is, yes they are. If today’s new HVAC systems really are that much more efficient, how much more efficient are they? An easy comparison, is to compare the fuel efficiency of different automobiles.
A 2014 Toyota Camry with a standard 4 cylinder engine and automatic transmission gets you about 28 miles per gallon of gasoline. A 2014 Ford F-150 with a 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission gets about 18 miles per gallon of gasoline.
How is Efficiency Measured?
Your home’s comfort system’s efficiency is measured in somewhat the same fashion. Instead of measuring miles per gallon, HVAC systems are measured by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating.
If the current comfort system in your home is rated at a 10 SEER, replacing it with a system with a 15 SEER rating will make it 1.5 times more efficient. Replacing your 10 SEER system with a system rated at 20 will make your system two times more efficient.
Does this mean that your energy bills can be expected to be cut in half if you double the efficiency of your home’s comfort system? Surprisingly the answer is yes. Will this always happen? The answer to that is no, due to different lifestyles of different people. Also, the possible pricing/ tiering structures of your local energy company might have an effect. The fact is you will use one half of the energy you use to cool or heat your home by replacing your 10 SEER system with a 20 SEER system.
Are There Other Advantages?
There are other advantages to go along with less energy consumption. Newer systems run cleaner and contain a more ecologically friendly coolant. Newer systems are able to better monitor and maintain the humidity level in your home. This allows you to keep it more comfortable for you and your family. Newer systems run quieter than older systems.
So, yes, today’s new air conditioning and heating systems are much more efficient than older systems. If you would like more information or are interested in replacing your home’s older system with a new, more efficient system, call Bunn’s and Bennett Heating and Air Conditioning at 256-536-0967. You can also email us at [email protected].
Bunn’s and Bennett Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving the Huntsville, AL and Tennessee Valley area for more than 30 years. We are fully licensed and insured and employ factory trained technicians and installers.
