Unless you’re an electrician or in the HVAC business, most air conditioning related terms are somewhat puzzling. Condenser, compressor, capacitor and contactor relate to specific parts in your air conditioner (and those are just the ones that begin with the letter “c”). As a busy homeowner, you can’t possibly be expected to understand all the systems in your home. Most people feel lucky if they can figure out the TV remote, program the DVR and keep the Wi-Fi system up and running.
Some Words Are Worth More Than Others
HVAC systems tend to reside in the background of home life. Generally, people only pay attention to their air conditioner when something goes wrong. However, there are times when knowing a little something about air conditioners can be helpful. If you’re in the process of doing research to purchase a new air conditioning system or if you are considering a significant upgrade to your air conditioner this spring, a little knowledge can go a long way. Here are a few AC words and terms that can put money in your pocket:
- Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Thermostats – Smart thermostats represent a significant innovation in HVAC technology and can offer you considerable savings on your monthly energy bills. Though Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats are more expensive than programmable models, they provide additional tools for you to manage the temperature in your home. With a standard thermostat, it’s easy to forget to adjust the setting when you leave for work or go on vacation. Smart thermostats learn your tendencies and adjust automatically. As well, Wi-Fi enabled means you have the added convenience of being able to talk to your thermostat through an app installed on your mobile device. Other advantages include advanced tracking features so you can tell how much energy you are using at any given time, verses waiting until the end of the month to receive your electric bill.
- SEER Rating – In the U.S., all air conditioners are given a SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Much like miles-per-gallon for automobiles, SEER ratings indicate energy efficiency for air conditioners. The higher the MPG, the better the fuel efficiency for your car. With AC systems, a higher SEER rating means less electricity will be used to achieve the same cool temperatures in your home. The minimum standard SEER rating in Arizona is 14. SEER ratings go all the way go all the way up to 25. When considering a new air conditioner, go for the highest SEER rating possible. Raising your SEER rating from 13 to 20 will cut up to 30 percent off your monthly utility bills. The energy savings will add up over time and help pay for the cost of your new system.
- Variable Speed Technology – Older AC systems were built with single speed fans for the blower and compressor. This means that older air conditioners turn on and run at full capacity until your house is cooled to the desired temperature and then they shut down. It’s on full blast or it’s off. This cycle repeats endlessly throughout the days, weeks and months of summer. New air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings utilize variable speed technology, which is designed to run your air conditioner at the optimal speed for maximum energy efficiency. Variable speed blower fans and compressors use the least amount of power required to achieve the preferred temperature in your home.
We Provide Great Service on Your Terms
At Bruce’s Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on providing first rate professional service on your terms. When you schedule a spring tune-up, our friendly service technicians will take the time to perform a full inspection of your AC system and provide you with a complete system evaluation. Summer will be here before you know it. Don’t wait until the last minute to assess your air conditioning system.