How does a SEER rating impact your decision when buying an air conditioner in Chicago?

All central air conditioning systems have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating that is regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Currently, no air conditioning system can have a SEER rating lower than 13. In Chicago, air conditioning systems can range anywhere from 13 SEER to 20 SEER.
Let’s take the mystery out of this whole SEER thing by comparing it to something we all can understand; miles per gallon. Think of higher SEER ratings as higher MPG in your car. Some cars get 10 miles per gallon and others can get 30 miles per gallon and more. Most consumers would choose the higher MPG as it going to end up saving them more money over time even though it may cost a little more money in the beginning.
Purchasing a new air conditioning system with a higher SEER rating can also create a significant savings on your monthly electric bill particularly here in the Chicago area where our energy rates are fairly high.
Most air conditioning systems installed in the Chicago area prior to 1995 are 8 SEER or lower. The installation of a system with the minimum (currently) of 13 SEER will reduce your energy consumption by approximately 38%. That can make a huge difference on your electric bill especially in Chicago where we pay some of the highest rates in the country.
In general, Chicago air conditioning systems do not operate as much as in other parts of the country where the climate is warmer. According to ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers), Chicago air conditioners operate an average of 800 hours per year. Last summer (2010) most of the air conditioning installations we provided to our customers were fairly evenly divided between 13 and 16 SEER.
What is the difference between 13 SEER and 16 SEER? As mentioned earlier, a typical 13 SEER air conditioner installation will improve efficiency by approximately 38% and that is significant even in Chicago where our usage is not as great as other parts of the country. That said, a 16 SEER air conditioner installation can improve efficiency by up to 50% over typical older 8 SEER systems found in the Chicago area.
So if you are planning on having an air conditioning estimate remember to factor in the cost savings of a unit with a higher SEER rating. While you may spend a little more money up front for a high efficiency air conditioner, you will more than likely make up and even exceed the extra cost in just a few short years.

Did you know that you can tell the temperature by counting the chirps of a cricket? It’s true! Here’s your formula: To convert cricket chirps to degrees Fahrenheit, count number of chirps in 14 seconds then add 40 to get temperature. Example: 30 chirps + 40 = 70° F. Of course, when it comes to the temperature inside your home, you only need to know All Temp. Since 1938, All Temp has been Chicago’s home air conditioning leader, offering the full line of leading Bryant A/C systems at the guaranteed best price in Chicagoland. If you do not need a new A/C this summer, a pre-season Clean & Check for your A/C System is very important. It will keep your A/C running at peak performance. And if you act now, you’ll save $40. For only $89.95 (reg. $129.95), All Temp provides a 25pt certified A/C inspection. It comes with a “No-Breakdown” Guarantee. Call All Temp to schedule a convenient appointment. If a cricket answers, you have the wrong number. 1-800-All-Temp.

How to keep your home cool this summer:
From All Temp, the folks with all the answers

We love keeping our All Temp Chicagoland customers comfy in the summer. Here are some helpful cooling tips so you’re A/C doesn’t have to work so hard.

1. Make sure your sunlit windows have shades or mini blinds drawn during the day. Postpone heat-generating chores like dishwashing until the sun goes down.

2. Keep all windows and doors shut tightly to avoid heat and humidity from entering. Use fans to circulate cooler air.

3. Use ceiling fans to increase comfort levels at higher thermostat settings. People comfort in the summer is between 72 F and 78 F. A slow-turning ceiling-mounted fan will allow you to set the thermostat even higher.

4. Shade trees around the house will keep your house cooler on sunny days. Avoid trees on the South because you will want direct sunlight in the Winter to warm your home

5. If you have an older central air conditioner, over 12 years old, consider replacing with a high-efficiency Bryant system. It not only will cool your home better, but save on energy bills.

6. Make sure the new A/C you buy is designed to cool the sq feet of your home. An All Temp tech will help determine the A/C that’s right for your home size. A seer rating above 12 is best.

7. High humidity will suck the comfort from your home in the summer. A/C models with variable or multi-speed blowers are generally best. Keep moisture sources out of the house.

8. Do not use a dehumidifier while your air conditioner is operating. This will increase the cooling load and your air conditioner will need to work harder.

9. Seal all your air conditioner ducts. Insulate ducts running through unheated basements, crawl spaces and attics.

10. Close vents in unused rooms so air-conditioning goes where it’s needed most.

11. Make sure you’re A/C gets a professional Clean and Check before the season. This will not only maximize efficiency, but keep your warranty intact. All Temp offers customers membership to their discount comfort club, so this service is provided automatically at a nice discount.

12. If installing a new A/C, install in shaded area.

13. Turn off your A/C (or raise the thermostat) when you leave home for more than 2 hours. Better yet, install a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperature when you’re off to work, or sleeping at night.

14. If your A/C needs replacing, chances are your furnace may need replacing too. Take advantage of Combo buys that will save you thousands.

Looking for the most reliable and recommended repair service for your furnace? Or, who to call for buying and installing a new furnace or a/c? Or, what company offers the best prices on the highest quality equipment? Fastest service? Serves your neighborhood? If you want unbiased answers from consumers in the Chicago and Chicago suburban area; people who are willing to share their real life experiences, you’ll find a wealth of helpful information on Review Sites on Yelp or Angies List or a number of other websites. For instance, All Temp Chicagoland Heating & Air Conditioning consistently receives high marks and thank yous from homeowners throughout the metro area. The company has been at the forefront of residential heating and cooling since 1938, and is one of the largest Bryant dealers in the country. Their techs are factory trained, their service staff is top rated and helpful, and they stand behind their work, and offer a best price guarantee. But the true test of this family business is measured by those who call All Temp and have used their services. And the All Temp name and high rating is supported by positive comments of consumers from Chicago to Deerfield to Naperville. Customer satisfaction isn’t just an advertising phrase. It’s a way of doing business. Of course, don’t believe what you read in a blog like this. Believe what your neighbors say on review sites. Their experience can save you from guessing, and likely save you money and headaches in the long run.

Thousands of Chicago homeowners ask All Temp this question every year: Do I really need to have my heating equipment checked each year? If it’s not broke, why fix it?

There are many important reasons to have your heating equipment serviced annually. Safety, improved energy efficiency, and the prevention of costly breakdowns are among the most important reasons.

Safety should top the list of reasons to have this important service performed. Modern heating equipment is safer than ever thanks to the manufacturers installing control devices that prevent dangerous conditions from occurring. These same manufacturers recommend strongly that these safety controls be tested annually to insure they are functioning as they were designed to. Any one of these components malfunctioning could lead to a harmful situation.

Improved energy efficiency also is a benefit of an annual inspection. Having the components of the heating equipment running at their peak efficiency helps keep your utility costs lower. That is why the annual inspection service is commonly referred to as a “tune-up’. Much like your family car, a tune-up on your heating equipment can reduce the amount of fuel you will use.

Another key element in your annual maintenance is the prevention of untimely and potentially expensive repairs in the future. Unlike many heating companies, All Temp does more than merely “clean and check” your equipment. Our highly skilled professionals are trained to check the major components for wear and tear that could result in premature failure. This is where we truly separate ourselves from our competition. Ask about our “No Breakdown Guarantee” when scheduling your appointment.

Safety, energy efficiency, and the prevention of costly breakdowns is our main focus when performing your annual maintenance service. Call today to schedule your appointment and remember to ask about our ‘No Breakdown Guarantee”.