Air Conditioner Replacement Advice

A typical home air conditioning system lasts about 15 years.

When it comes time to replace, how concerned should you be about efficiency?

These systems come in varying efficiency options. Each one will cost you different amounts on your electric bill.

How Can I Compare Air Conditioner Efficiency?

1. SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio” and measures cooling efficiency. The higher the number the better.

2. Most cheap systems have a SEER rating around 10.

3. The best systems have SEER ratings in the mid-20’s.

4. You can look up the SEER rating for any model of air conditioner you are considering.

5. Note: There is also a newer SEER2 rating. The same idea, they have just modified the calculation to better reflect real world conditions. Expect the SEER2 ratings to be slightly lower than SEER ratings.

Are Higher SEER Ratings More Expensive?

1. Yes, these systems will cost you more for the equipment.

2. There is no increase in installation cost. Don’t let an installer tell you otherwise!

Why Should I Choose A Higher SEER Rating?

1. Electricity Cost Savings of course!

2. See the cost example below.

How Much Money Can An Efficient Air Conditioner System Save Me?

1. Assumptions:

   System Size: 4 tons = 48,000 BTU/hour

   Average Daily Run Time: 5 hours/day

   Cooling Season in Zone 5: 135 cooling days

   Electricity Rate: $0.12 per kWh.

2. The typical Air Conditioner System lasts 15 years.

3. As you can see in the chart below, the 15 year energy costs shown can be used to decide whether the quotes you obtain from installers for different SEER ratings might be worth the extra cost.

   

In summary, talking with your Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation (HVAC) contractor about different SEER rating options is worth the money.

If you plan to own the system for 15 years, if a 20 SEER system costs less than about $3,000 more than a 10 SEER system, it is probably worth it.

Installation costs should be identical. The only difference is the cost of the equipment.

Learnings from Lombok Homes For Sale

Lombok is a small island south of Indonesia, and is just to the east of Bali.

What can we learn about design and building from their homes currently for sale?

1. They Build With Durable Masonry and Steel - While Merging Indoor/Outdoor Spaces

   This home primarily uses concrete and steel to build the home. No wood here.

   It also utilizes huge windows and doors to merge the indoor and outdoor living spaces and take full advantage of the views.

   Check out that birds nest net on the deck!

   Check The Home Out Here

1. They use more durable roofs and play with different finish materials

   This clay tile roof will last a long time!

   Tons of different finish materials are used. Stone, concrete block, ceramic tiles, metal doors, weaved fabric materials, wood, granite, stucco.

   Check out that infinity pool!

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions. There are no sponsors of this newsletter.