Control Your Environment

Home Energy Efficiency

Your Central Air Conditioning System and Energy Efficiency

For most homes, the central air conditioning system is the largest user of energy. Even in climates that the AC system is only used a few months of the year, it is still typically the largest user of electricity even greater than your refrigerator (the next largest user of electricity). For those of us who experience the North Texas climate we run our systems for a majority of the year and our costs can exceed thousands annually!

By installing energy efficient systems in our home we can drastically reduce our monthly bills. In addition to the energy savings, a new more efficient system is better for our environment and will make our home more comfortable by improving air flow to all of the rooms in the home.

What is SEER ? & How does a higher SEER rating save me money?

SEER ratings more accurately reflect overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the system’s energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing products.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95 degrees, F). In technical terms, EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (i.e. cooling capacity) by the product measured in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the product measured in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh/watt. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner.

The new minimum for efficiency standard (effective January 2006) is SEER 13, for an air conditioner or heat pump. All new units must now meet this standard. Previously manufactured equipment may be used, sold, and installed.



SEER Savings

Estimated Annual Dollar Savings Per Ton


                New Unit                
  HSPF 7.0 7.2 7.4 7.6 7.8 8.0 8.2 8.4 8.6 8.8 9.0 9.2
O
l
d

U
n
i
t 		4.0 $218 $226 $234 $241 $248 $254 $261 $267 $272 $278 $283 $288
4.5 $162 $170 $177 $184 $191 $198 $204 $210 $216 $221 $226 $231
5.0 $116 $124 $132 $139 $146 $153 $159 $165 $170 $176 $181 $186
5.5 $79 $87 $95 $102 $109 $116 $122 $128 $133 $139 $144 $149
6.0 $48 $57 $64 $71 $78 $85 $91 $97 $103 $108 $113 $118
6.5 $22 $30 $38 $45 $52 $59 $65 $71 $76 $82 $87 $92
  7.0 $0 $8 $16 $23 $30 $36 $43 $48 $54 $59 $65 $70


Common Energy Savings Mistakes

  • Letting the furnace or air conditioner salesperson sell them a unit that's much bigger than they need
  • Not getting the ducts checked for leakage when installing a new heating and cooling system
  • Thinking that "since heat rises, we only need to insulate the attic." Floors over a basement or crawlspace, walls and windows also matter.
  • Not using ceiling and portable fans to improve comfort in the cooling season. They use very little electricity. Use them to circulate air in the house, to make the house feel cooler by doing this, the thermostat setting for your air conditioner can be raised to 85°F, and still maintain the same comfort as the lower setting.


Air Force Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Inc. proudly serves: Flower Mound, Argyle, Lantana, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Double Oak, Southlake, Copper Canyon, Bartonville, Highland Village, Little Elm, Coppell, Frisco, Trophy Club, Keller, Grapevine, The Colony, Denton, Corinth, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Colleyville, Roanoke, and Plano