Air Conditioner Installation In Chicago: SEER Ratings – Why They Matter
When considering air conditioner installation in Chicago, there are many factors you must weigh. Most often the first thing a homeowner is concerned about is how much an air conditioner will cost. The complete cost of a new AC system varies widely between HVAC companies in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Chicago heating and cooling companies also offer air conditioners that operate with varying degrees of efficiency. The higher the efficiency, the greater the cost.
Factors to Consider Before Considering High Efficiency Air Conditioner Installation in Chicago
SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
SEER ratings describe the amount of energy consumed by the unit to produce a specific level of cooling. Air Conditioners with higher SEER ratings consume less energy to produce the same level of cooling that less efficient systems do. Older central air conditioning systems operate with SEER ratings between 6 and 10. The U.S. government requires that all new systems operate at a minimum rating of 13. While a 13 SEER air conditioner is the minimum, it is possible to install an AC with a 25 SEER rating.
High Efficiency AC Systems
Just because the “box” you put outside says 16 SEER, it doesn’t mean that your system is achieving that level of efficiency. There are many factors that determine whether an air conditioner is operating at it’s maximum SEER level. Factors include proper sizing of the unit to the home, efficiency of the air handler (or furnace), the evaporator coil and line set, insulation, ductwork, and installation. That is why it is recommended that if you choose to install a high efficiency air conditioner unit that you also replace your old air handler, coil, and line set, so the entire system will run at maximum efficiency. When a High Efficiency central air conditioner is operating on all levels, at maximum efficiency, a homeowner can expect to save between 30% and 40% on there energy bills during the summer months.
So if you have decided that it’s time to replace your old central air conditioning system, and you would like to save money on your energy bills, it is best to install an air conditioner with a High SEER rating. Polar Heating and Air Conditioning in Chicago has over 60 years of experience with air conditioner installation in Chicago, northern Illinois, NW Indiana, Joliet, Aurora, Hammond, Gary, Naperville, and Kankakee. Polar specializes in installing complete high efficiency air conditioning systems and offers affordable pricing on units with higher SEER ratings. For more information on prices of high efficiency ac systems from Polar Heating and Air Conditioning, click here, or call (708) 260-8855
