When you’re choosing a new air conditioner, the price will likely be one of your top deciding factors. And when you’re comparing the prices of systems, you’ll notice that a high-efficiency air conditioner costs more upfront than a conventional model. This might leave you wondering whether or not it’s worth it to spend more on a system with a higher efficiency rating. Today we’re going to help you figure that out by answering the question, “Is a high-efficiency air conditioner a good investment?”
What are the features of a high-efficiency air conditioner?
To understand whether or not a high-efficiency air conditioner is a good investment, it’s important to understand what differentiates a high-efficiency system from more conventional models. For starters, high-efficiency air conditioners come with higher SEER ratings. To receive the Energy Star label from the EPA, an air conditioner must have a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher. As you’ll see below, higher SEER ratings lead to lower monthly energy costs.
In addition, high-efficiency air conditioners typically come with advanced features that not only make the systems more efficient but also make them better at cooling your home. Some of the most common features found in high-efficiency air conditioners include:
- Variable speed air handlers
- Two-stage compressors
- Thermal expansion valves
- Automatic-delay fan switches
- Zoning systems
- Programmable thermostats
Is a high-efficiency air conditioner a good investment?
When you consider whether or not something is a good investment, you have to look at the amount of money it will cost you in the long run. Although high-efficiency air conditioners cost more money upfront, their operating costs are significantly lower than low- and mid-efficiency systems. Given the fact that air conditioners last somewhere around 15 years, you’ll want to factor in all of those monthly cooling bills when you’re calculating the value of your investment in a new system.
Most homeowners will find that a high-efficiency air conditioner is a great investment for one or more of the following reasons:
- Lower utility bills. As we mentioned above, high-efficiency air conditioners cost less to operate than lower efficiency systems. The amount of money that you’ll save on your monthly energy bills throughout the lifetime of your system will offset the added upfront costs of the system, and will typically mean you spend less money overall.
- Fewer repairs. The advanced features found in high-efficiency air conditioners allow them to operate without undergoing as much stress as low- and mid-efficiency systems. This often means that high-efficiency air conditioners break down less, so you’ll spend less money on repairs throughout your system’s lifetime. This is another factor that increases the value of your investment in a high-efficiency air conditioner.
- Longer operating life. Another advantage of high-efficiency air conditioners going through less wear-and-tear is that they can last longer than conventional models. The longer your system lasts, the more value you’ll get out of your initial investment.
- Better home comfort levels. The features included in a high-efficiency air conditioner will maximize your home’s comfort levels. This means that you’ll be happier with the performance of a high-efficiency air conditioner, and satisfaction levels are certainly something that you should consider when weighing the value of your investment.
If you have any questions about whether or not a high-efficiency air conditioner is a good investment, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Charles, MO, air conditioning contractor. We provide service all over the St. Louis area, including towns like Ballwin, Chesterfield, and Clarkson Valley, MO.
