Replace:
Of course, if your central air unit is several years old, not keeping your house comfortable, or not performing efficiently, consider getting a new high-efficiency model.
Purchase equipment that has the ENERGY STAR label. The EPA estimates you can save between 10 and 40% on a new system with this mark.
Purchase a unit that has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to suit your location. Buy a system with a SEER ratio of 12 if you live in a climate that has only a few hot months a year, and a SEER of between 13 and 16 if you live in a climate that's hot all year long.
Replace both the inside and outside units together. Installing a new outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit is likely to result in low efficiency, and may lead to premature failure of your new system. Consider replacing your heating system at the same time. If you purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an older furnace and blower motor, your system will not perform to its rated efficiency. This is especially true if your furnace is over 15 years old.
Specify R-410 refrigerant. Freon (R-22) has been found to cause long-term damage when released into the air, and it is no longer allowed in new equipment (but is still available for repairs). Manufacturers have started shifting to R-410 for their products, so be sure to request it.
Of course, if your central air unit is several years old, not keeping your house comfortable, or not performing efficiently, consider getting a new high-efficiency model.
Purchase equipment that has the ENERGY STAR label. The EPA estimates you can save between 10 and 40% on a new system with this mark.
Purchase a unit that has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to suit your location. Buy a system with a SEER ratio of 12 if you live in a climate that has only a few hot months a year, and a SEER of between 13 and 16 if you live in a climate that's hot all year long.
Replace both the inside and outside units together. Installing a new outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit is likely to result in low efficiency, and may lead to premature failure of your new system. Consider replacing your heating system at the same time. If you purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an older furnace and blower motor, your system will not perform to its rated efficiency. This is especially true if your furnace is over 15 years old.
Specify R-410 refrigerant. Freon (R-22) has been found to cause long-term damage when released into the air, and it is no longer allowed in new equipment (but is still available for repairs). Manufacturers have started shifting to R-410 for their products, so be sure to request it.
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