Dear Jim: My central air-conditioner is 16 years old, noisy and probably inefficient. I want to replace it with a quiet, efficient model. What are the best ones available for 2011 and which provide the best comfort? -- Mike J.
Dear Mike: If your central air-conditioner is that old, any new model you install will be much quieter and more efficient. Depending upon its condition, your old one likely has an SEER (seasonal energy-efficiency ratio) of less than 10. The most efficient new ones are as high as 24.5 SEER, which would cut your cooling costs by 60% or more.
As with most products, higher-efficiency models that provide the greatest savings also cost the most to install. Always ask your contractor to provide payback analyses on several models of various efficiencies. With this information and other intangible factors such as comfort, conservation and environmental concerns, etc., you can make your decision.
While you are getting quotations, also consider installing a heat pump instead of just a central air-conditioner. Their cooling efficiencies are only slightly less and installing one may also cut your winter heating bills even if you have a gas furnace.
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