About Central Air Conditioning: Information About Central Air Conditioning Efficiency
Central air conditioners use electric energy to pump heat out of your home and dump it outside. They distribute cooled air throughout your house and remove moisture from the indoor air. The efficiency of Central Air Conditioning units are governed by U.S. laws and regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Every A/C unit is assigned an efficiency rating known as its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The SEER is defined as the total cooling output (in Btu-British thermal units) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in Watt-hours) during the same period. The SEER is displayed on a yellow label affixed to the Air Conditioning unit. Higher SEER's are better. The minimum SEER allowed by law for a central A/C is 10 for a split system or 9.7 for a single-package unit. The best available SEER is about 18, while many older units have SEER ratings of 6 or less. Most consumers should look for a SEER of 12 or higher when buying a new A/C system.
- Central A/C units are more efficient than window or through-the-wall units. They are also out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate.
- High-efficiency A/C units save money on your utility bills.
- High-efficiency A/C units result in fewer environmentally harmful emissions.
In an average air conditioned home, air conditioning consumes more than 2000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, causing about 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide to be emitted at the power plant and, at average electricity prices, costs you about $150. In high-cooling climates those numbers can be doubled or even higher.
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If you don't know how your air conditioning system works, please check out our Air Conditioning Basics page. It will show you how you can setup your system for the best cost effectiveness. Never hurts to save a few bucks, and the tips are very easy and useful.
If you need help with you air conditioning system, don't hesitate to call our easy to remember 24 hour hotline ( 1-800-Any-Tyme - Remember to dial Y in T yme). We will send an air conditioning technician out to your San Diego residence or business. In a hurry? Fill out our 30 second Online Service Form now or chat live with an Air Conditioning Technician. Check out our Safety Information page for a how to guide to keep from harming yourself or others while you repair. All San Diego Residents can receive $20 OFF any service repair. Discount must be mentioned at time of order. Call Now! |
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