Eco-Friendly Air Conditioning Services: Are They Worth It in Long Island?
With summer heating up, many Long Island homeowners are looking to install or upgrade their air conditioning systems.
If you’re environmentally conscious, you may be wondering if investing in eco-friendly, energy-efficient air conditioning is worth the extra upfront cost.
Below we’ll explore what makes AC systems green, their benefits, and if they’re worth considering for your next Air Conditioning Services in Long Island project.
What Makes Air Conditioners Eco-Friendly?
Modern high-efficiency central air conditioning units utilize advanced technology to reduce energy use and environmental impact. These units are designed to use less energy to cool a room, reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, newer units feature advanced air filtration systems that help to reduce air pollution.
Here are some key features:
Energy Efficient Compressors: Eco-friendly compressors require less electricity. Variable-speed compressors only use energy needed for the current temperature.
- Advanced Filtration: High-MERV filters trap allergens and reduce indoor pollutants. Some systems filter out VOCs and smoke.
- Smart Technology: WiFi-enabled smart AC systems optimize temperature and efficiency based on your usage patterns and preferences.
- Green Refrigerants: Environmentally-safe refrigerants like R-32 have much lower global warming potential than older models.
- Proper Sizing: Correctly sized systems run efficiently without frequent cycling and energy waste.
- Quality Materials: Durable and sustainable components result in longer equipment lifespan.
What are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly AC Systems?
Beyond helping protect the environment, green air conditioning offers numerous rewards:
- Energy Savings – High-efficiency systems can reduce energy bills by 30% or more compared to older units. This adds up to major savings.
- Rebates and Tax Credits – Many energy companies offer rebates for installing qualifying high-efficiency AC systems. Federal tax credits are also available. This helps offset the higher purchase price.
- Improved Indoor Air – Advanced air filtration creates healthier indoor air by capturing airborne irritants. This helps those with allergies and asthma.
- Enhanced Comfort – Precise temperature control, indirect airflow, and humidity management provide superior comfort compared to outdated systems.
- Peace of Mind – Eco-friendly refrigerants reduce harmful emissions and your environmental footprint. Smart technology also optimizes energy use.
- Added Home Value – Upgrading to an efficient modern AC system will boost your home’s value. Homebuyers increasingly want green features.
Are the Costs Worth It?
The main hesitation homeowners have about green air conditioners is their higher upfront costs. Units with variable-speed compressors, advanced filtration systems and smart technology can cost $3,000-$7,000 more compared to baseline models.
However, the energy and cost savings realized over the 15-20 year lifespan often make the investment worthwhile. To determine if upgraded costs are justified, ask your Air Conditioning Contractor in Long Island to conduct an energy audit of your existing system. They can assess how inefficient it is and model the long-term savings of a new eco-friendly unit.
Be sure to explore available rebates and tax credits which can defray 25-30% of the system cost. With these incentives the payback period for energy savings shortens considerably.
Here are a few example cost scenarios
- A 15 SEER AC unit costing $5,800 more than a 14 SEER baseline model can save $403 in annual energy costs. With a $1,500 tax credit, the payback period is just under 10 years.
- A variable speed 20 SEER AC unit costing $7,200 more than a 14 SEER unit saves $998 per year. With a $2,000 rebate, the payback is less than 5 years.
In many cases, the energy savings outweigh the marginally higher purchase price over the system’s lifespan. Discuss your specific situation with an HVAC professional to determine if a premium energy efficient AC system makes financial sense for your home.
They can also help you determine if your home is eligible for a rebate or tax credit. If the cost is within your budget, it may be worth considering upgrading to an energy efficient AC system.
Partner with a Green-Focused HVAC Company
If you decide an eco-friendly AC system is right for your home, choose an Air Conditioning contractor in Long Island provider focused on green, energy-efficient solutions. Ask about their sustainability practices and expertise installing high-efficiency equipment. For a quality installation maximizing energy savings, system performance, and environmental benefits, chooses an HVAC contractor who shares your eco-values.
As a leading heating contractor in Long Island, Polar Bear Air NY offers a range of eco-friendly solutions tailored for each home. Their AC installations utilize high-efficiency equipment qualifying for rebates and tax credits. Contact their team today to learn more about your options for upgrading to modern, green air conditioning. Investing in an energy efficient system with Polar Bear Air NY is a savvy way to save money while keeping your family comfortable.