Besides staying cool when the warm weather rolls in, not getting hot under the collar when the utility bills arrive can be a challenge. The goal is to find an air-conditioning system that looks nice, makes you feel good and operates efficiently.
How To Measure
Cooling Efficiency
Recently enacted federal legislation helps with the efficiency issue. All central air conditioners manufactured after January 23, 2006, must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of at least 13 SEER. This increase in the measure of cooling efficiency from 10 to 13 SEER means savings on your utility bills.
As manufacturers of air-conditioning systems work to meet this new efficiency standard, some are also incorporating improved comfort features in their designs. For example, the Acclimate™ Series of air conditioners from Luxaire Heating and Cooling, a brand of the Unitary Products Group of York-a Johnson Controls company, meets or exceeds the efficiency challenge with 13 and 15 SEER units that also address important comfort issues.
These air conditioners are available with two-stage compressor technology to reduce operating cost without sacrificing...