Not every air conditioner is an energy efficient AC unit. For example, the age of the specific unit matters. Since air conditioner efficiency has improved steadily over time, a unit manufactured 10 years ago is almost certainly less efficient than today’s new model. Another aspect is the quality and regularity of maintenance. Annual preventive maintenance by a professional HVAC contractor ensures that all AC components are functioning up to the manufacturer’s specifications, including the unit’s energy-efficiency rating.
Here are some additional factors that determine whether you have an energy efficient AC unit:
- Efficiency rating. Air conditioners are manufactured to meet specific Department of Energy standards, expressed as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. The higher the SEER rating, the more cooling the unit generates per kilowatt hour of electricity. Standard efficiency units are SEER 13 or 14, while high-efficiency units can range as high as SEER 25.
- Right sizing. An AC unit’s “size” in this context refers to its BTU cooling capacity relative to specific characteristics of the residence. Too little or too much capacity can degrade air-conditioner energy efficiency and cooling effectiveness for as long as the unit is installed. Before choosing a new air conditioner, a sizing calculation should be performed by a certified HVAC technician to determine the home’s exact cooling requirements and match it to a new unit that provides the appropriate cooling capacity.
- Rising operating costs. Most people have a notion of how cooling costs typically affect their monthly electricity bill. If these costs begin to increase in the absence of other explanations, such as an unusually hot spell or utility-price hikes, it may be a sign that your air conditioner is no longer meeting energy-efficiency specs and may no longer be an energy efficient AC unit. This decline may be due to you neglecting regular maintenance, a malfunction, or normal wear and tear related to the age of the unit.
Are you certain you have an energy efficient AC unit? Clear up the doubts with advice and service from the professionals at Paitson Bros. Next year, we’ll celebrate a century serving residents of the Wabash Valley.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922