When it becomes necessary to replace any of the components in your HVAC system, it is important that you consider more than the sticker price of the device. To have a realistic overview of the actual price of the system, you will need to consider its lifetime costs, as well. Basically, this means that you need to figure in the approximate amount of money it will take to operate the equipment on an annual basis, and multiply it by the number of years of its life expectancy, which typically averages between 10 and 15 years.

The most popular choices of HVAC equipment are energy-efficient models, which emit less toxic gases into the environment, and they generally lower utility bills substantially. Some homeowners declare savings up to 50 percent after installing high-efficiency Energy Star models into their dwelling. With the increases in the cost of energy over the past few years, efforts to reduce the lifetime costs of your major equipment could offer a huge payoff over time.

Here in California, we use our air conditioners quite frequently, and there are other benefits to purchasing high-efficiency products beyond reducing the lifetime costs of operation. These include:

  • Reduced humidity within the home
  • Reduced pollen and allergens
  • Reduced mold
  • Increased longevity due to more efficient handling
  • Longer periods of warranty coverage
  • Increased resale value and marketability of the home

Here is what you should look for concerning efficiency ratings when attempting to choose the most efficient system. Air conditioning efficiency is measured by seasonal energy efficiency ratios, or SEER. The higher this ratio, the more efficiently the device will perform. Energy Star models carry a minimum 13 SEER, with high-efficiency models rating between 16 and 23 SEER. Furnaces efficiency is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, with high-efficiency models rating a 90 percent AFUE or more.

Feel free to contact usat Around the Clock anytime with questions concerning your HVAC and major appliance needs. We have been serving Los Angeles and the North Hollywood area with pride since 1967, and we guarantee all our work in writing.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating services Los Angeles, North Hollywood and the surrounding areas in California. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!