Summer is in the air, and if you’re feeling the heat, it may be because that clunky, old air conditioner just isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s time for an upgrade, but choosing the right replacement is crucial. Opting for the wrong system can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in wasted expenses each year, and choosing the right one can cut your cooling costs in half. Worried you’ll get it wrong? No sweat! Elephant Energy is here to support you, and we highly recommend considering heat pumps.
Heat pumps? I thought those were for HEATING your house!
They are, but they’re also for cooling it down. When it’s cold out, heat pumps extract warm air from the outdoors and pump it inside. But when the weather turns hot, they work in reverse, removing hot air from your home (the exact same way an A/C works). Heat pumps do it all!
Heat pumps offer both cooling and heating capabilities, making them more efficient compared to air conditioners. However, the efficiency of a heat pump is not solely determined by its heating function. The SEER rating measures overall energy efficiency, and while installing the right heat pump can significantly increase your SEER, not all heat pumps are equally efficient. We prioritize the installation of high-efficiency models to ensure optimal energy savings.
SEER? What’s That?
Great question! SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. In essence, it measures how effectively an air conditioner or heat pump cools your home. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit is and the lower your bill is at the end of the month.
Think of your AC or heat pump like a car. SEER is akin to fuel efficiency. A car that gets 25 MPG is more efficient than one that gets 10 MPG. The higher the number, the less you spend on gas. It’s the same with SEER.
As technology advances, SEER ratings are on the rise. The good news is that they improve each year! The bad news is that if you have an outdated AC, chances are your SEER is extremely low. This means not only wasting energy but also squandering your hard-earned money. So how low is your SEER? This table can give you an idea
| Year | Average SEER Rating |
| Before 1980 | 6 or less |
| 1980-1985 | 7 or less |
| 1986-1991 | 8 or less |
| 1992-2005 | 10-12 |
| 2006-2014 | 13 or more |
| 2015-2022 | 14 or more |
| 2023 | 15 or more |
So How Do I Find MY SEER?
It’s simple! Nearly every unit comes with a yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker, just like the one below. You can spot it attached to the side of the unit, clearly displaying the SEER rating. If, by any chance, you can’t find that sticker, refer to the owner’s manual or reach out to the manufacturer—they’ll be able to assist you.
And this is really costing me money?
Unfortunately, yes. A low SEER, one below 14, translates to significant money lost. How much exactly? Experiment with this user-friendly SEER calculator and you’ll discover just how much difference a few points can make—hundreds or even thousands of dollars when the bills come due.
For example, if your SEER is 10, and you spend approximately $150 a year on cooling costs, if you upgraded to an 18 SEER heat pump, you would save ~$70 a year on your energy bills! That’s 45% saved per year.
Time to Replace!
Don’t fret! We’re here to help. The market offers a wide range of exceptional heat pumps, each boasting impressive SEER ratings. Mitsubishi and Bosch are at the top of our list.
There are many options out there, and each one has its own pros and cons. The perfect one for you will depend on your house, location, and situation. The good news is, here at Elephant we have a team of experts to guide you through the process of replacing your air conditioner with a heat pump. The icing on top? We can also help you take advantage of thousands of dollars of rebates that are out there to make heat pump purchases affordable.
Wrapping Up
So, no matter how you feel about your old AC, check your SEER. It’s right there on that yellow sticker. If it’s looking low (under 14) we recommend looking into a new heat pump. We can help you figure out how efficient that unit really is, how much money you’re losing a year, and if it’s worth it to upgrade your AC to a heat pump. Because, if you replace that AC, you might be able to cut your cooling costs in HALF. And who wouldn’t want that?
Interested in taking the next step? Get in touch here!