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| Is there any rule of thumb or calculation for determining the payback of different SEER ratings on AC units?
I am deciding between a 14.5 SEER and a 16 SEER central air unit. After tax credit it is a price difference of $300 ($600-$300 tax credit). I live in So. Cal. and my average electricity cost comes out to be about $0.19/ kwh. I only use the AC about 10 days per month during the 4 summer months. So is it worth $300 to get the higher efficiency unit? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by neohioheatpump (My Page) on Thu, Sep 1, 11 at 7:36
| Although the payback time might be a long time, $300 isn't a very expensive upgrade cost. Its often nice to have nicer equipment of higher efficiency equipment. |
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| Usually higher efficiency condenser incorporate additional features which made improve comfort and reliability. Depending on your installation and equipment you may very additional savings by moving up to a 16 SEER unit. Do you have the model numbers of the equipment you are considering? |
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| Thanks for the feedback. The condensor unit is the same for both options: Bryant 116BMA048, but the efficiency boost comes with a different furnace: either the 310JAV090048 or the variable speed fan on the 313JAV090048. I'm leaning toward the higher efficiency unit. |
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| A fixed speed blower will always run at the same speed regardless of the static pressure. But a variable speed blower will increase the RPMs in order to maintain a constant air flow. If you have a duct work issues or a dirty filter, the amount of energy used by the variable speed blower could be more than the fixed speed. This will subtract from your energy savings. I personally would get the variable speed furnance for the extra $300. |
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| Very good point. I'll be sure to keep things clean and clear. 16 SEER unit it is-just committed and it will be installed tomorrow. |
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- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Sun, Sep 4, 11 at 10:36
| good, the vs will make a lot of difference in comfort. best of luck. |
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| you can find a download spread sheet calculator at http://www.aceee.org/consumer/cooling about 1/2 way down the page. |
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