How Much Will a New AC Unit Save Me?

When you need emergency AC service, turn to Fast Air Repair. Call 352-290-7968  to get your AC unit up and running.

Everyone in Florida needs a reliable AC unit because we use our systems throughout the year. However, if you have to pay substantial energy bills every month, you're probably desperate to find a solution and wondering, "How much will a new AC unit save me?"

New AC units use less power and, therefore, cost less to operate. Although upgrades are pricey, they can reduce monthly bills and help you save money over time. The specific savings depend on the SEER rating and your home's insulation and energy efficiency. 

Our team at Fast Air Repair can answer all your questions on this topic. We're Dunnellon's trusted heating and air conditioning source. We'll get your air conditioner running better than ever.

SEER Efficiency

Before we discuss the savings of a new AC unit, we need to talk about energy efficiency. Every AC unit on the market has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). These scores describe how efficient a particular system is. 

Manufacturers calculate these ratios by comparing the system's cooling output to the amount of electricity it consumes. The higher the SEER, the more efficient a system is.

In the past, AC units only needed a SEER of 9 or 10, but there have been several technological improvements in recent years. Nowadays, a 13 SEER unit is the bare minimum in most states.

Should I Get the Highest SEER Possible?

Once you know about the potential savings, it's tempting to select the air conditioner with the highest SEER. Some units have scores of 25 or higher, but these aren't necessarily the best choice for your home.

Although they are efficient, they're also incredibly expensive. You might save some money on your monthly bills, but the up-front cost will be difficult to recoup. 

In addition, most high SEER units are too large for an average home. It's easy to think that bigger is better, but this isn't always true for AC units. Large models run on short cycles and can't properly remove humidity from small homes. 

Call a professional technician if you want to upgrade to a higher SEER cooling system. HVAC experts can inspect your home and recommend appropriately sized units. 

How Much Will a New AC Unit Save Me?

If you're like most Floridians, heating and cooling accounts for almost half of your home's energy bills. You could save a lot of money by removing your air conditioner altogether, but that's unrealistic in this hot climate. Therefore, the question becomes how to reduce costs rather than cut them entirely.

In Florida, the average rate of electricity is 11.42 cents per kWh. Many Florida residents run their systems for at least 12 hours per day during the hottest seasons. This adds up to an average of 2,184 operational hours throughout the year. That stacks up, especially if you have an inefficient AC unit.

If you have a 10 SEER unit, your annual home cooling costs are approximately $872. When you upgrade to a 14 SEER unit, the bills drop to $623. That's an extra $249 in your pocket!

It's even better if you compound these savings over the years. New AC systems can last between ten and 20 years, so you might save up to $4,980 across their lifetime. Of course, not every change will be quite this dramatic, and some upgrades lead to lower or higher savings.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that upgrading your AC unit can reduce energy costs by up to 40%. That's a significant improvement, so remember this when your bills start piling up.

Cost vs. Savings

Now you have an answer to the question, "How much will a new AC unit save me?" When you look at the overall savings, it can stretch into the thousands. Although the monthly savings can mitigate the cost, new AC units rarely pay for themselves.

You must compare the savings against the cost of a new unit. Unfortunately, the higher the SEER, the more expensive the upgrade will be.

New HVAC systems can cost between $6,000 and $12,000. Installing a new unit will almost always reduce your monthly electric bills, but you'll need to pay a high up-front price to unlock these benefits. There's a delicate balance between cost and savings. 

Don't choose a high SEER model just for the sake of it. Switching from a 10 SEER unit to a 14 SEER unit is significant, and you don't usually need to go beyond this recommended range. At a certain point, the expenses don't justify the savings. 

Even if you never fully recoup the cost of an upgrade, there are other benefits to consider.

For instance, a new air conditioner will raise your home's value. Buyers in Florida always look for homes with great cooling systems, so an upgrade will help you stand out in the housing market.

You'll also be able to enjoy a more powerful cooling system. In addition to saving money, your home temperature will be cooler and easier to regulate.

When Should I Replace My AC System?

As a rule of thumb, you should replace your air conditioner if it's 15 years old or older. Some units start breaking down once they're ten years old, but others might reach 20. It all depends on its performance and your monthly bills. 

Consider a replacement if your unit is:

• Too big or small for your home
• Rated at 10 SEER or lower
• Making strange sounds 
• Consuming more energy than usual

A professional HVAC technician can inspect your system's performance. With help from the experts, you can choose an upgrade that will give you maximum efficiency. 

Get Your Next Air Conditioner From Fast Air Repair

So how much will a new AC unit save me? Depending on your chosen model, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars over the years! If you're ready to access these savings, our team can help you find the best fit for your home.

Let Fast Air Repair service your air conditioner today. Call 352-290-7968 for repairs or replacements.