Roberts Mechanical

You don’t need to be an air conditioning technician to know some go-to A/C terms. They can help find the right system for your home and even save you thousands of dollars in the next few years.

What if you already have an air conditioner? Knowing some key terms can help you lower your electricity bill, choose the best technician for you, and help you when it comes time to shop for that new unit in the future.

But some of those terms are real tongue twisters! Even though they sound complicated, they’re actually pretty easy to figure out.

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is how your machine’s efficiency is measured. The more efficient it is, the more affordable it is (plus, Mother Nature will thank you).

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a rating of 13 is the bare minimum for new machines. If you get one with a 16 SEER rating, that saves you around $415 per year!

Money Matters

Obviously, the higher the SEER rating, the more expensive the A/C unit will be. Consider how often you use A/C, where you live, and if you plan to move in the near future.

You don’t need a 20 SEER rating if you live in Alaska. If you live in Phoenix? Maybe! Still, it’s not the only factor. There’s also humidity.

Some air conditioners have humidity control and some don’t. Humidity can make a home feel warmer than it is, ultimately making you run the A/C longer or at a lower temperature than you otherwise would.

Humidity control gives you a comfortable home and can save you $300 per year. If you live in a humid area, you’ll definitely want that added feature.

Taking Control

A/C modulation (sometimes called variable speed) makes air conditioners more efficient and lowers your bills. Modulators change the amount of energy the A/C uses on a routine basis, giving you a more even temperature throughout the home.

They also help with humidity. A modulated A/C unit can save the average home about $870 per year.

Finally, there’s the heat pump. It’s not in all air conditioners, but those that have them work by pushing hot air outside of your home. It’s the best way to transfer heat and can save you around $750 per year. Heat pumps work in reverse, too, so you can heat or cool your home with them. However, there are many types of heat pumps, so you’ll need to do research or ask a pro for help.

In Utah, give Roberts Mechanical a call, and find out what the right A/C system can do for your home — and budget.