Hi Elroy,
Are there rebates available on high SEER systems is a big one.
Three years ago we replaced a 5 ton unit with a Carrier. Carrier and Trane are great brand names.
We live in Houston and it is a very hot and humid environment for at least 6 months of the year - big electric bills.
You will find that there are variable speed compressors and fans. Both utilyze air bearings in the higher performance systems.
High seer systems have low med and higher performance speeds.
The concept is that if you run your system more constantly, it continuously pulls the humidity out of the air in your home. If you remove the humidity in the air of your house, it is very doable to dial the temp in the house down another 2-3 degrees.
If you can live comfortably in a house several degrees lower, then yes your system runs more, but it runs in a lower variable power (with air bearings and little load)and over the course of the year, your bill will be reduced.
My experience supports that claim, and I add up my utility bills annually every year when I do my taxes.
When I asked about rebates for an upgraded system, they though in an upgraded thermostat. I tcommunictaed via our router and we can change temps via a smart phone.
It is programmable for cycles though out the day and throughout the year, with a vacation zone to shut it lower while we are not at home.
So spending a bit more, will in the long run save you on the annual expense to be comfortable, whatever that is for you and where you live.
It also sends a change filter message when replacement is needed.
We have had a Sears rep come out and give us an education. They had a low price guarantee, and the rebate was the upgraded thermostat and a 1200 or 1500 debit card which we utilized on a new mattress and dish washer.
I enjoy the lower electric bills. They also came out "No Charge" for the first year's annual inspection.
Hope that helps.
Bob |
