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As the temperature rises, so does the price of cooling your home. But a new federal law may aid preserve your property both cool and price-powerful.

In January, the U.S. Division of Energy raised the minimum efficiency standards for air conditioners and heat pumps from 10 to 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Even though homeowners are not essential to replace systems that are less than 13 SEER, undertaking so could shave 23 percent off power bills.

Believe of SEER ratings like gas mileage: The greater the SEER or miles per gallon, the more energy "mileage" you get. So as SEER levels rise, your cooling and heating goods use less energy, providing you more bang for your buck even though supplying genuine environmental benefits via decreased energy consumption.

"The new 13 SEER standard not only conserves power but it also reduces connected carbon dioxide emissions," says Rick Roetken, director of advertising at Indianapolis-based Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems.

Bryant lately introduced a new line of 13 SEER models that supply excellent savings, efficiency and comfort. The improved top-of-the-line Evolution Program reaches levels of up to 20 SEER although allowing customers to manage heating, cooling, humidity, indoor air quality, schedules and maintenance reminders from a single, simple-to-navigate supply.

To keep your home cooling system at peak efficiency, Roetken recommends obtaining it inspected at least when a year by a trained service technician. Here are some added suggestions:

• Install more attic insulation. Upgrading from three inches to 12 inches can reduce cooling charges by ten percent.

• Plant a tree. One well-placed shade tree can lessen your cooling costs by 25 percent. Location leafy shade trees to the south and west and evergreens to the north.

• Use ceiling and box fans to assist circulate air all through the house.

• Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" rather than "auto." This will circulate air continuously, keeping the temperature continuous all through the property and aiding in dehumidification.

• If you use a window air conditioning unit, make sure it really is the suitable size. It is greater to get one particular that is as well modest rather than too large. A larger unit will start up and turn off more frequently and will not do as great a job dehumidifying the air.

• Invest in a programmable thermostat.

• If you do not have central air conditioning, try a entire-home attic fan. This device pushes hot air out through the attic vents, lowering the temperature all through your home by about five degrees in less than ten minutes. company website knauer plumbing milwaukee plumber