High Efficiency Air Conditioners Lower Utility Bills Save up to 56% Colorado Factory Rebates
Holmes Publications
May 21, 2009
FAQ
1. How efficient is my air conditioner?
Air conditioners efficiency is measured as SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency rating, sort of like MPG for air conditioning. Units manufactured between 1992 and 2006 had a minimum efficiency rating of 10 SEER. If your air conditioning unit is 16 years old or older, the efficiency could be 8 SEER or lower. Today, the minimum efficiency is 13 SEER, with many units reaching up to 21 SEER. If you are considering replacing your old air conditioner, choosing a higher SEER (15 and above) could save not only hundreds of dollars a year on your utility bill, it would also qualify you for the Federal High Efficiency tax credit. Check with your local electricity supplier to see if they have any air conditioning rebates programs. In addition to these programs, Carrierīs Cool Cash program (March 1-June 30, 2009) gives homeowners rebates up to $1200.
2. My home does not have air conditioning; can I add a/c?
Most homes in Colorado use forced air systems for heating. A forced air system uses a gas furnace or fan coil (also called an electric furnace) to deliver warm air throughout a home using a duct system. An air conditioner delivers cool air using the same duct system and the furnace fan to move the air. Although homes with duct systems can handle air conditioning, you will need to contact a qualified heating contractor to find out if your furnace is air conditioning ready.
3. How will air conditioning affect my utility bill?
A 13 SEER air conditioner will add approximately $350 a year to your utility bill. In Colorado, the cooling season is generally March - September, so you can expect that air conditioning will add about $70 a month during the cooling season. A 15 SEER air conditioner will cost about $270 a year, or $55 a month.
4. What questions should I ask my contractor?
A. Are you licensed and insured?
Make sure any contractor you consider is licensed in the state for the work which you require them to perform. Also make sure they carry the proper insurance, including workers compensation and are bonded to insure against damages to your home and property. An uninsured contractor could cause you financial pain if they were to cause damage to something in your home during a service call or replacement.
B. Are your technicianīs factory trained and/or NATE certified?
Todayīs heating and cooling systems are complex. Contractors who donīt keep up with the new technologies are more likely encounter installation and service problems. Improperly installed equipment can cause operational and safety issues, as well as voiding factory warranties.
C. Should I repair or replace?
When considering whether itīs time to replace your furnace or air conditioner, keep in mind:
• Things never break when it is convenient. A furnace that goes on the fritz while you are away from home over the Christmas holiday could have catastrophic consequences (burst pipes).
• Emergency service is expensive
• Most contractors donīt consider a broken air conditioner an emergency, and during the busy season it could be days or weeks before you can get service.
• Most importantly, find out how much it would save you in energy costs to replace an older, less efficient furnace or air conditioner.
5. How do I find a reliable contractor?
Visit us at www.carriercolorado.com. Itīs fast and easy to find a contractor in your area.
There has never been a better time to buy a new heating and cooling system. Utility rebates, federal tax credits and factory rebates can save you thousands of dollars, and you could save up to 56% on utility bills.
For more information, or to find a dealer near you, go to www.carriercolorado.com
Tim Brooks
Tim Brooks is a twenty two year veteran of the HVAC industry. He currently belongs to a number of industry associations, including the Colorado Home Builders Association, Energy Efficiency Building Council, and the Carrier Distributor Advisory Council. He is the chairman of the Carrier Product Development board for the furnace product line.
Timīs personal interests include community work, golfing, reading and industry participation.
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