Replacing your 12 year old Central Air Conditioner under the Appliance Stimulus Package Program could save you 30% on your cooling energy costs. New Energy Star Central Air Conditioners have a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and as of January 1, 2009 to receive the Energy Star Seal split system central air conditioners must have a SEER of 14.5 or higher and single package central air conditioners must have a SEER of 14 or higher as tested under ARI 210/240. Another measure of efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) which split systems must measure 11.5 or higher and single package systems must measure 11 or higher as tested under ARI 210/240. All central air conditioners that carry the Energy Star Seal qualify under the Appliance Stimulus Package for Rebates of $50-200. In addition you may also be able to receive up to $6500 in Grant Money under the Weatherization Assistance Program if you qualify. State and Utility Rebates are also available in about ½ the states.

When you get your new Energy Star Air Conditioner installed under the Appliance Stimulus Package and whatever other funding you manage to secure you should also consider getting your home insulated better if it needs it and get it sealed making sure the doors and windows are tight and the weather stripping and caulking needs are taken care of. Make sure the outer shell of your home is tight to get the maximum savings and maximum comfort out of your new system. You should also have the air conditioning installer evaluate your ducts and make sure they are sized properly for the maximum effectiveness of your system. If older ducts are being reused they should be checked and resealed as needed. Poorly performing ducts and leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of the system by as much as 20%.

Get a Programmable Thermostat installed with your new system and program it for your schedule. Consider Programmable Thermostats that have Intelligent Recovery which will start changing the temperature before you arrive home by gradually starting the air conditioning in an economical manner saving energy. Modern thermostats are able to learn the characteristics of your home and system so they start changing the temperature ahead of time so it is just right when you arrive home at the scheduled time.

Once the new System is installed make sure that it is maintained so you get the maximum efficiency out of the system. Change the filters when they get dirty so air flow is not restricted. Make sure the coils are cleaned, belts are replaced, and bearings are oiled or greased by having the system checked out every year before start up. Keep the system operating at peak performance to get the most for your energy dollars.

Call around now to find an air conditioning contractor to upgrade your system or, better yet, Find One On-Line.