I could replace my current unit as part of some remodeling I'm doing, but I could also wait. I'm interested in knowing if there are greater improvements in efficiency in the offing!
2006-08-04 11:06:01 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Often, it makes more sense to do this replacement while you have everything torn out. There is a relatively new central AC technology (released in 2005), the Copeland scroll compressor, that might be worth looking at.
2006-08-04 11:21:14 · answer #1 · answered by just♪wondering 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No reason to wait if it is that old. Most home central units older than ten years old have installed SEER ratings of less than 8. That is terrible but is whwat is usually found when tested as installed.
You can really cut your energy costs over the next ten years (Dn;t look for some huge jump each month- it is a small but definite savings per month over long period) if you use a lot of air conditioning by buying a new high SEER matched system and get it installed correctly.
As someone said before- always easier to do it while you are remodeling. PLUS- youprobably have drywall dust all up in your coils that will reduce the efficiency even more.
SCroll compressors have been out for some time now. In fact for many years. 16-20 SEER systems are out now (the higher the SEER the less energy they use to provide the same cooling)
The biggest thing I see is variable frequency compressors or inverter drives as mitsubishi calls them. They are super quiet (don;t even know they are on unless you see them blowing the grass) and Super energy efficient.
Good luck... (I'd change it)
2006-08-04 22:43:19 · answer #2 · answered by Frust Parent 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it were me I would check my remodeling budget. If the old AC is working fine you could wait and change it at a later date. The new 13 Seer rule will save you on electricity, but if size ie. BTU's is the same it will not cool any better than the older 10 Seer units. It's all about that electrical bill. I don't know, I don't fix it unless it's broken, and it sounds like yours is not giving you any problems right now.
2006-08-05 07:57:05 · answer #3 · answered by pinewhispers1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No new tecgnology coming out. I work for Carrier, we don't have anything up our sleeves. With the new energy standards prices of A/C systems are insane. But do not hold out hoping something new is coming out. Now you can spend a ton and get around a 20SEER A/C. That would be the newest technology, Also variable speed compressors. Being a Scroll doesn't mean anything to a consumer, they still do the same thing as piston compressors.
2006-08-04 21:25:10 · answer #4 · answered by Scott M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Minimal standard for 2006 is 13 seer. Last year was 10 seer. This will save you a fair amount of change. I am assuming that yours is 15 to 20 years old where most likely you have a 10 seer. 13 seer units have scroll compressors and it's worth to change over to this type of compressor because it's more reliable.
Good luck in your decision, I hope I helped you.
2006-08-04 20:31:39 · answer #5 · answered by Walter B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your A/C is older than ten years, then I'd say change it. There hasn't been any real technical change, in them, but they are a lot more energy efficient now.
With electrical bills, going up and up, it may well be worth making that change. Visit the store, or online, and see what the monthy or yearly costs are.
As you are already set up for remodeling, this might be the time to do it.
2006-08-04 18:13:42 · answer #6 · answered by johnb693 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look at amana-hac.com
also look at geothermal
2006-08-05 07:08:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋