High Energy Bills? What Does Your Air Conditioning Cost To Operate?

'A penny saved is a penny earned' as the old adage goes…..so clearly an attempt at saving money on energy costs during air conditioning season makes sense. We often hear the word SEER. As HVAC contractors serving homes and businesses in Northern New Jersey it's a familiar buzz-word in our environment. What does it mean and how does it affect you? Our friends at Energy Star provide a lot of information. Read on….

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), is most commonly used to define and measure the efficiency of a central air conditioning unit. The rule of thumb is: The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. SEER measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season.

• In technical terms, SEER is a measurement of the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in BTUs) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period Energy Efficiency Ratio

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95oF). The higher the EER, the more efficient the system.

• In technical terms, EER is the steady-state rate of the removal of heat energy (i.e. cooling capacity) by the product measured in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the product measured in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh/watt.

Both SEER and EER are detailed in ENERGY STAR specifications because each rating indicates the energy efficiency of the product under different operating modes. SEER rating more accurately reflects overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the system’s energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing a product.

Here’s some more information about SEER . While it may appear to be hieroglyphics, we thought you might want to know! New Jersey Residents, Visit our Website for more information on replacing your Air Conditioning System with new High-Efficiency Air Conditioning Equipment. You'll save on energy costs, earn Federal Tax Credits before the end of 2010 (and possibly local utility company rebates) and enjoy comfort with new technologies in cooling.

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In full disclosure, we are New Jersey Solar Contractors and ready to help you achieve your Environmentally Conscious Potential, Save $ and Save our Planet! Contact Us Today!

How Does My Air Conditioning System Work?

When it's hot outside and you close your windows and turn on the A/C your desired end result is to be cool and comfortable. But, did you ever take the time to think about how your system actually works? In actuality, the mechanics of an air conditioning system is very similar to that of the refrigerator that keeps your food fresh and cold. With the use of refrigerants (older systems had freon, today that is no longer permitted, we look rather, towards environmentally friendly refrigerants to save our ozone layer to accomplish this cooling task), we are able to successfully cause the refrigerant to evaporate and just like that, we're cool!

• The compressor within the air conditioning condensing unit compresses the refrigerant, causing it to become hot, high-pressure gas


• This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.


• The refrigerant liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure refrigerant gas


• This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside the building

Did you realize that while cooling your home, your central air conditioning system has also been given the task of cleaning your home? Many systems have filters that effortlessly eliminate pollen, dust, particulates, smoke, mold spores, other allergens and every-day airborn dirt from your home. At the same time, it dehumidifies the air in your home (HINT: that's why you become more comfortable!) this moisture helps cool the unit on it's way to becoming condensation that travels to a drain line to the exterior of your home. What a great concept! One that clearly none of us want to do without.

In full disclosure, we are contractors in New Jersey providing service to NJ Homes and Businesses in Northern and North Central New Jersey since 1928. For more information, visit our website!

Help Your AC System Cool Better!

It's Summer in New Jersey and the Air Conditioning Systems are running! The sun is shining and while it brings a smile to everyone's face, and causes flowers to bloom it also bring the discomfort of a hot house. How do you keep your house cooler, you ask? In full disclosure, we are HVAC Contractors serving Homes and Businesses in Northern and North Central New Jersey. Here's our advice....

• Keep your blinds, draperies or shades closed during the peak sun hours
• Ceiling Fans will help circulate the air and the movement will feel cooler
• Do not turn your AC System off completely even if you're not home - raise the thermostat to a higher setting. This will allow the system to run albeit at a higher temperature, and will keep the humidity level constant and more comfortable
• If you use a digital set-back clock thermostat, change your 'away' time so that the air conditioning system comes on before you get home
• Have your professional air conditioning contractor service your system - a better maintained system is subject to fewer breakdowns and will run more efficiently
• Use landscaping to your advantage - shade trees will more than beautify your home, they will keep it more comfortable, shielding you from the hot sun
• Consider replacing your air conditioning system with a variable or multi-speed system
• Run your dishwasher, oven or cooktop early in the morning or late at night

New Jersey residents, Visit our Website for more information.