How to Stay Cool and Collected This Summer
On average, Americans spend an incredible $22 billion on their air conditioning systems every year. Unfortunately, a large part of that could be saved by simply replacing or fixing old or faulty air conditioners. However, before you rush off to buy a brand new system, you may want to consider having your old one checked first for any underlying issues such as undercharged refrigerants, leaks in the coil, or perhaps a short-circuit that could be slowing down your system. A simple fix could save you hundreds of dollars per year.
However, if your air conditioner is at least 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new, more efficient one. Your home’s heating and cooling system is often rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and can have a rating of up to 21. Many older air conditioners have a rating of 6 or less, while today’s lowest acceptable standard is 13. The fact is, you could save 20-40 percent on cooling costs simply by upgrading to a more efficient air conditioner. What’s more, today’s systems use 30-50 percent less energy than those used 40 years ago, meaning you’ll be making a smaller environmental impact as well.
In the infographic below published by Aqua Plumbing & Air, you’ll find budget-friendly tips on how to save energy, ways to maximize your cooling system (and lower your energy bills), and statistics and facts that detail the advantages of having a new air conditioning system installed.