Are you asking, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” The short answer is yes if you choose the right model and size.
Newer air conditioners waste less energy, work more quietly, and keep your home more comfortable throughout the summer. Besides lowering your cooling costs, air conditioner replacement could also reduce the need for AC repair in New Caney, TX.
How New AC Units Save Energy
The average central air conditioner uses around 3,000 to 3,500 watts/hour. That’s a hefty addition to your energy consumption. As in the rest of the Houston area, households in New Caney, TX, will see a spike in energy bills when summer arrives and the AC works non-stop.
Advanced HVAC technology has improved the energy efficiency of AC units. Newer air conditioners boast better insulation, less air loss, and more efficient airflow than older models. Adjustable compressors allow the unit to reduce capacity when it doesn’t need full power, while smart thermostats optimize temperature control and reduce energy waste.
Opt for a Unit With a Good SEER Rating
When asking, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” the answer depends on your chosen model’s SEER rating.
A unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating determines its energy efficiency. An air conditioner with a higher rating will waste less energy to cool your home, and you’ll likely notice the difference in your electric bills.
Models with a higher SEER rating cost more, but the ongoing savings may cover the upfront expense. You can use the Seer Savings Calculator to figure out how much you could save by upgrading to a model with a better SEER rating.
14 is the minimum acceptable SEER rating for a hot, humid location like New Caney, TX. However, we recommend going for a unit with a rating of 16 or higher.
Choose the Right Unit Size for Your Home in New Caney, TX
When you decide on an AC upgrade, bigger isn’t necessarily better. An oversized air conditioner will short-cycle and thus use a lot of energy. Since it will work in short bursts, you may notice uneven temperatures in your home. Frequent cycling will also put a lot of stress on AC parts and cause the entire system to wear out faster.
On the other hand, an undersized AC will struggle to keep your home cool. You may never feel comfortable indoors, even if you run the air conditioning constantly. And, like with oversized units, the constant strain will shorten your cooling system’s life.
An HVAC professional can help you choose the right system size by calculating your home’s cooling load. This calculation will consider elements like your home’s size, the number of doors and windows, your insulation quality, and the amount of shade your property gets.
Will a New AC Save Enough Energy To Offset Upgrade Costs?
At this point, you probably no longer need to ask, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” An upgrade will almost certainly reduce your utility costs, but will these long-term savings be enough to offset the upfront investment?
The answer may require some number crunching. For example, you may waver between two new AC models, one of which has a higher SEER rating and is more expensive.
Although either choice would reduce your energy bills, the pricier unit will be even more energy efficient. However, if the cost gap is bigger than the difference in potential savings over the system’s lifetime, you may want to go with the more affordable model.
If you aren’t sure which AC unit would be best for your home, call us. Our HVAC experts will walk you through the various options and help you choose the model that fits your energy needs, lifestyle, and budget.
When Should You Invest in a New AC Unit?
Upgrading your cooling system is probably the right decision if:
- You have an old, inefficient air conditioner. Any unit 15 years or older likely needs replacement.
- You spend a lot of money on AC repairs. Investing in a new air conditioner is usually more cost-effective than trying to extend a failing unit’s life.
- Your electric bills keep growing even though you have good insulation and try to conserve energy.
Considering an AC Upgrade in New Caney, TX? Call Crew Heating & Cooling
Are you wondering, “Will a new AC unit lower my electric bill?” Contact us to learn how an air conditioner upgrade can promote utility savings and reduce AC maintenance costs. Call today and let our pro team help you choose the optimal AC model for your home in New Caney, TX.