Tracking Electric Bills During AC Season

TRACKING ELECTRIC BILLS DURING AC SEASON

Are you keeping a close eye on your electric bills? Year over year, we’ve watched them go up each month, evaluated suppliers, and tried to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? By significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home.

CONSIDER THESE STATS:

If your AC was installed prior to 2006, the average SEER was 10. Now due to age, that same piece of equipment has a SEER of 7 or 8.

The minimum SEER allowed to be installed today is a 13.2. According to our Comfort Specialists, customers are upgrading to a minimum of 16 SEER the last two years.

For every increase in SEER, you should see a 4-6% decrease in your electricity costs.

And don’t forget, if your air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, not only has the efficiency gone down but it most likely uses R22 and should be replaced in the near future. Due to its negative environmental impact, the EPA has been phasing out residential use of R22 for over a decade and it is now effectively banned - both from being produced and imported.

Call us today at 203.227.5181 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save year after year.

Lower Electric Bills With New Central AC

Lower Electric Bills With New HIGH EFFICIENCY Central AC

As our cooling equipment ages, so does its efficiency (SEER) rating. The newest central air conditioning systems feature the highest SEER ratings on the market and can offer the greatest annual savings on your electric bills. If you want to explore the potential savings you’ll see with a new high-efficiency central AC system, then it’s time to meet with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Schedule an appointment at 203-227-5181 to learn more about our limited time savings!

Tips to Help Save you Energy This Summer

Tips to Help Save You Energy This Summer

As the temperatures rise and the summer heat sets in, finding ways to save energy becomes crucial. Not only does it help reduce our carbon footprint, but it also contributes to lower energy bills! Here are some tips that will make a significant difference in your energy consumption while keeping you cool this summer.

Use a programmable thermostat:

Set your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you're not at home, which can help reduce energy consumption and save money on your energy bills. Not sure how to switch? Give us a call at 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our electricians.

Keep your home well-insulated:

Make sure your home is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. This can help reduce the workload on your air conditioning system and save energy.

Use fans:

Use ceiling fans or portable fans to circulate air throughout your home. This can help reduce the temperature and make you feel cooler without having to rely solely on your air conditioning system.

Close blinds and curtains:

Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun and keep your home cooler.

Use energy-efficient lighting:

Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and produce less heat.

Use appliances wisely:

Use appliances such as the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer during off-peak hours when energy rates are lower. This can help reduce your energy bills and save energy.

Grilling outdoors:

Cook outdoors on the grill instead of using the oven or stove. This can help keep your home cooler and reduce the workload on your air conditioning system.

Avoid using heat-generating appliances:

Using the oven or dryer during the hottest part of the day can make your home feel warmer and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.

Our top priority this summer is to keep you and your family cool and comfortable.

call 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with a member of our team.

Energy Efficiency Dos and Don'ts

Energy Efficiency Dos and Don’ts

Energy efficiency is the name of the game this year. With the state encouraging homeowners to convert their HVAC systems to electric even with higher than ever electric rates, we’ve decided to instead focus on bringing those electric bills down by using your system more efficiently.

Follow along throughout the year as we share more Efficiency Dos and Don’ts on the Gault blog and don’t miss our High Efficiency Savings in May!

The R22 Phaseout & Your AC

R22 Refrigerant Phaseout: What You Need to Know

R22 aka Freon is a very common refrigerant used in air conditioning units across the United States. Due to its negative environmental impact, the EPA has been phasing out residential use of R22 for over a decade and it is no longer being produced or imported. With many systems still using R22 today, here’s a brief overview of what you need to know:

What is R22?

R22 (HCFC-22) is a chemical used in both air conditioning units and heat pumps. The liquid refrigerant runs through the system continuously, absorbing and releasing heat in order to provide cool air to the home. 

Why did the EPA phase out R22?

When released into the air, R22 contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. In an effort to protect the ozone layer and slow climate change, the EPA is phasing out production of many ozone-depleting substances.

How do I know if my unit uses R22?

If your air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, it most likely uses R22. There are a few ways to know for sure: You can check the owner’s manual or look for the data plate located on the outside condensing unit; both will be labeled with HCFC-22 if the unit uses R22. Or, you can give us a call to have one of our technicians or Comfort Specialists come take a look.

What are my options if I have an R22 unit?

Most R22 units are nearing the end of their lifespan so it is only a matter of time before they will need to be replaced. Because R22 is not longer in production, the cost of this refrigerant has increased based on supply and demand.

We strongly encourage homeowners to start budgeting now for a replacement unit as R22 supply decreases in availability each year.

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 We’re here for you!

Please contact us at 203-227-5181 or info@gaultenergy.com if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists or Technicians.

AC Myths Debunked: Why you should upgrade this year

Air Conditioning Myths Debunked

Making a big purchase for your home is not always the easiest decision. And with lots of information available at our fingertips, it’s easy to end up in a research wormhole. With our team of Comfort Specialists and Technicians, we’ve spotted the top AC myths we hear from customers:

i don’t need to swap my r-22 freon unit.

False. The EPA has phased out the use of R22 Freon for residential air conditioning systems. Because R22 is not longer in production, the cost of this refrigerant has increased based on supply and demand. We strongly encourage you to start budgeting for your replacement unit as the R22 supply decreases each year.

If it still works, I don’t need to replace my unit.

Not always true. Even if your unit still works, there are other factors that can impact the need to replace it, in particular the unit’s age, efficiency and maintenance/repair history.

Central air systems are one size fits all.

Maybe your unit was sized for your home and needs when it was first installed but over time occupancy changes and renovations can impact how effectively it works to cool down your home.

Air filters only need to be changed once a year.

False. We recommend changing your air filter every 60-90 days with a filter rated MERV 10 or higher. Air filters can easily get clogged reducing your system’s efficiency to keep your home cool. This is especially important if you have pets, children, or family members with allergies or asthma. And changing your air filter is easy! Next time our technician visits your home, be sure to ask how to replace it and what type to keep on hand for your unit. Learn more about air filters in our Indoor Air Quality Guide.

Special Savings with Gault

From March 1st to May 31st, receive $500 in savings when you purchase & install a new central AC system.*

Call us today at 203.227.5181 or visit gaultenergy.com/ac-savings to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you stay cool call summer long.**

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**Offer limited to one per household. Does not apply to previously quoted AC units. Offers cannot be redeemed as cash payout. Purchase much be a complete AC system including a condenser, air handler or cooling coil and refrigeration line.

Is it Time to Change your AC Equipment?

Is It Time To Change Your Air Conditioning Equipment?

Replacing your air conditioning unit is no small decision, but our Comfort Specialists and technicians can guide you through the process from start to finish. Here are a few questions to get you started:

DOES YOUR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT USE FREON/R-22?

It’s been phased out by the EPA and is much harder and more expensive to acquire.

HOW OLD IS YOUR UNIT

If it’s pushing the ten-year mark, it’s time to start planning for an upgrade before a breakdown or failure during a heatwave.

has your living situation changed?

From home renovations to additional occupants, your cooling equipment needs to be right sized for your needs to work efficiently.

Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists!

Enjoy up to $500 in savings on the purchase and installation of a new central air conditioning from March 1st to May 31st! For more information and to get started, visit GaultEnergy.com/ac-savings or call us at 203.227.5181.

See ya later Freon

Is your AC unit a phased out R-22 Freon model?

It’s now been a year since the EPA finished phasing out Freon/R-22 as a refrigerant in air conditioning units. While we saw many customers replace their units in 2020, we encourage those who haven’t to be proactive and start taking steps now for replacement.

Remember that while Freon is no longer in production, your R-22 unit can still be serviced. While some units might have the option to be retrofitted to utilize a different refrigerant, it’s important to evaluate the recurring costs of servicing older units compared to installing a new efficient model that will lower your energy costs.

This spring, save $500 on the purchase and installation of a new air conditioning system from us! For more information visit GaultEnergy.com/AC-Savings or call 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists.

TOP 5 REASONS TO REPLACE/UPGRADE YOUR AC THIS YEAR

Top 5 Reasons To Replace/Upgrade Your AC This Year

We have many experts and specialists at Gault but when it comes to knowing when it’s time to replace your air conditioning system, no one knows better than our technicians and Comfort Specialists; they work on, diagnose and replace hundreds of systems every year. That’s why we decided to poll them on what they think are the top five reasons to replace or upgrade your air conditioning this season. Check out the results below!

Poll Stats
Respondents: 26 (14 Technicians, 12 Comfort Specialists)
Total Years of HVAC Experience: 512
Total Years of Service at Gault: 248

1. Financial Savings: 100% of the group put financial savings as a top reason for replacement. The biggest savings being on electricity; a new, high-efficiency system can save you up to 38% on your electric bill. Other savings are seen in the reduction of maintenance costs. Older systems often require more frequent maintenance sometimes making it more cost effective to replace a system rather than continually repairing it.

2. Efficiency: 96% of the group put increasing efficiency as a top reason for replacement. New units have higher SEER ratings; the higher the SEER, the less electric energy the unit uses in comparison to its cooling output making it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Greater efficiency also bring other benefits such as being more cost effective.

3. Age & Reliability: 61% of the group put age and/or reliability as a top reason for replacement. If your system is more than 10 – 15 years old, it is reaching its life expectancy and has a higher chance of breakdown or failure. Being proactive, not reactive will ensure your unit will be running and reliable during the hottest weather.

4. Refrigerant Phase Out: 61% of the group put the phase out of the refrigerant R-22, also commonly known as Freon as a top reason for replacement. R-22 is part of an EPA phase out plan for ozone-depleting substances. Any unit using R-22 will ultimately need to be replaced as the refrigerant supply declines.

5. Comfort: 43% of the group put factors that increase comfort as a top reason for replacement. New units are much quieter, cool faster and more consistently, remove humidity more effectively and create better air quality. This is especially relevant if conditions in your home have changed since your AC was originally installed; for example, a renovation would make your current unit not properly sized for your home.

Some others factors that didn’t make the list include: increasing the value of your home for resale, updating the look and appearance of the units outside your home, the ability to add air cleaners and other tech features like wifi thermostats and sensors.

To set up an appointment with a Comfort Specialist, click here.