Why Energy Efficiency Matters When Choosing A Cooling System

When it’s time to replace your air conditioner or heat pump, one of the most important factors to consider is energy efficiency. The efficiency of an HVAC system will impact the comfort of your home, and more importantly the energy bills. If your system is inefficient, it’s going to end up costing you more to run over the lifespan of the system. 

At John Cipollone Inc., we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Havertown, Ardmore, Villanova, and the surrounding areas since 1953. We’ve seen firsthand how choosing the right system can make a big difference in comfort, performance, and monthly utility bills. 

In this article, we’ll explain more about energy efficiency ratings, and how they impact your home and cooling system in the long run. If you’re considering a new cooling system, give us a call at (610) 446-7877 or contact us online to schedule an estimate. 

What Are Efficiency Ratings?

When comparing air conditioners and heat pumps, you’ll often see terms like SEER2 and EER2. These are standardized ratings that measure how efficiently a system operates.

• SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2): Measures overall efficiency across an entire cooling season
• EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2): Measures efficiency under specific conditions (usually peak temperatures)

The higher the rating, the more efficiently the system uses electricity to cool your home. Over the years, laws about SEER rating requirements have increased, meaning new cooling systems are almost always going to be more efficient than older systems. 

Lots of older AC systems may have a SEER rating of 8–10, whereas modern systems typically range from 13.4 to 20+ SEER2. These more energy efficient systems are going to cost far less to run, and will do a better job of keeping the space cool. 

Heat pumps use these same efficiency standards for cooling, but they also provide heating. This means that the efficiency of this system will impact your energy bills year round. 

When we install a new system, we don’t just look at efficiency ratings alone. We also evaluate:

• The size and layout of your home
• Your insulation and ductwork
• Your comfort preferences (Zoned comfort, central air, smart thermostats, etc.) 

We want to make sure you have a system that fits your home properly, and operates in a way that’s going to make you comfortable and save money. For example, if you have a large family who all don’t agree on temperatures, you may want to consider a zoned mini split system. This way you can operate the mini splits independently, creating personalized zones of comfort. 

No matter what kind of HVAC system you are looking for, we have the experts who can help you design the right system for your needs! 

How Does Efficiency Affect Your Energy Bills?

Energy efficiency has a direct impact on your monthly utility costs. The more efficient your system is, the less electricity it needs to maintain a comfortable temperature. The more energy efficient your system is, the lower your energy bills will be. 

Here’s how that plays out:

Lower Monthly Cooling Costs

High-efficiency systems use less energy to produce the same amount of cooling. If you’ve been using an older system that has been losing efficiency, and may likely have not been as efficient as a new system would be to start, you are spending too much money in energy bills. Better efficiency means:

• Lower electric bills during the summer
• Less strain on the cooling system during heat waves
• More consistent indoor temperatures

Even a modest increase in efficiency can lead to noticeable savings over time. We’ve numerous customers who have reported hundreds, even thousands of dollars in savings when they switch to a new energy efficient system. 

Reduced Wear And Tear

Efficient systems don’t have to work as hard to cool your home. The reduced amount of work means your system isn’t straining as much, which leads to reduced wear and tear. That results in:

• Fewer breakdowns
• Less frequent repairs
• Longer system lifespan

If your system is constantly straining and working hard, it’s going to stress the components and lead to breakdowns and repairs being needed. Improved efficiency can save you money not just on utilities, but on maintenance and replacement costs as well.

Better Comfort And Performance

Efficiency isn’t just about cost, it’s also about comfort. When the system is operating more efficiency, it’s keeping your space more comfortable. Many high-efficiency systems offer:

• Variable-speed operation
• Better humidity control
• More even cooling throughout your home
• State of the art remotes and controls

This is especially important in older homes throughout Delaware and Montgomery County, where temperature differences between rooms can be common. In our community, we have a lot of older homes, and unique designs, and if you have an inefficient system, it’s likely going to lead to hot spots around the house. 

Eligibility For Rebates And Incentives

High-efficiency systems often qualify for rebates from manufacturers or utility companies, which can help offset the upfront cost. These incentives change over time, but they’re often tied directly to efficiency ratings making higher-efficiency systems more attractive financially. We can help you sort through which rebates match which systems, and optimize your savings. 

Choosing The Right System For Your Home

While high-efficiency equipment can offer significant benefits, the “best” system depends on your home and your goals. Whether you want a heat pump that cools and heats, or a mini split system that breaks your home into different zones, we have the solution for you. 

At John Cipollone Inc., we take a personalized approach:

• We measure your home for proper system sizing
• We review your current energy usage and comfort concerns
• We recommend systems that balance efficiency, performance, and budget

We also take a look at your ductwork and insulation. If your home is leaky and having problems with energy loss, it may not matter how energy efficient your HVAC system is. Here are some tips about making your home more energy efficient.

Once we know your home is ready for a new HVAC system, we take you through the best options. Whether you’re considering a high-efficiency central AC system or a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling, we’ll help you make the right choice. 

 Schedule Your AC Or Heat Pump Installation Estimate

If you’re thinking about upgrading your cooling system, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Getting your system installed before the summer heat means your home is ready for the hot weather, and helps you save on energy bills right away. A more efficient system can improve comfort, lower your energy bills, and provide reliable performance for the next decade. 

Call John Cipollone Inc. today at (610) 446-7877 or contact us online to schedule your estimate.