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Frequently Asked Questions

This area is our Frequently asked Questions and News article update. The information from this page will grow over time. Please bookmark it as a resource for you in the future.

Q: How are Air Conditioners Rated?
A: Air Conditioning equipment is rated by a Season Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). Equipment form the 1980's might be rated a Seer 8 - 8.4. Air Conditioning equipment from the 1990's and early 2000's will generally be Seer 10. The latest standard is SEER 13 with efficiency rating going up to the 20's. Each 1 point increase is a 10% increase in efficiency. Upgrading a Seer 8 unit with a Seer 15 unit is 70% increase in the efficiency. You can best equate that to a 70% decrease in the cost of cooling your home. Upgrading old air conditioning equipment is a very good investment if your are staying in the house more than 5 years. If the unit needs to be replaced anyway, stretching 1 or 2 points above the current SEER 13 standard has a payback period of 1-2 years.

Q: How can I save money with my hot water heater?
A: Most water heaters can have an additional insulating blanket installed, but you should check the manufacturers website to see if your unit can be wrapped. Most modern laundry detergents are formulated to clean in cold water. Switching your washing machine can save money every month. Reducing a 10 minute hot shower to 5 minutes can save you $200 a year alone. Electric water heaters can be placed on timers to greatly improve their energy efficiency.

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