Do mini-splits use a lot of electricity? Well, that’s relative. To answer this question adequately and fully, we have to calculate the mini-split power consumption. This will help up estimate how much will running a mini-split increase our electricity bills in the summer (cooling) and in the winter (heating). We are going to take an … Read more
If you get the 1st quote for a 10 SEER air conditioner or heat pump, and the 2nd quote for a 14 SEER unit, you will have to do a bit of math. The best way to decide which unit is a better option – 10 SEER vs 14 SEER – is to pencil in … Read more
In 2023, the SEER rating was replaced by the SEER2 rating. Because the now old SEER is numerically not the same as the new SEER2, the old SEER savings calculator cannot be used as the SEER2 savings calculator. To compare air conditioner and heat pump cooling costs in 2023 and onwards, we need to use … Read more
EER rating is the most basic energy efficiency rating for air conditioners. In 2023, the Department of Energy will introduce a new EER2 rating that will replace the existing EER rating. Let’s look at what the EER2 rating is and what changes we can expect for the minimum EER rating in 2023 (now EER2 rating). … Read more
Air conditioner energy efficiency ratings are changing. Up till the 31st of December 2022, we using the SEER rating to determine the energy efficiency of air conditioners. From the 1st of January 2023 onward, the SEER rating will be replaced by the SEER2 rating. We are going to look at what SEER2 is and how … Read more
What is the difference between 13 SEER and 14 SEER? In short, 7-8% or ($174 to more than $1,000 in 20 years). That is how much a 14 SEER unit will save on cooling compared to a 13 SEER unit. However, 14 SEER units are also more expensive than 13 SEER units. Let’s calculate 13 … Read more
“Should I cover my AC unit in the winter?” This is quite a frequent question we get in the fall and early winter. Covering an air conditioner in the winter (we are talking about the outdoor unit window AC and heat pumps) does protect the unit but not as most people imagine. We are going … Read more
In the summer, outside temperatures can easily reach 90 degrees or more. In these higher temperatures, it makes sense to adjust the AC thermostat set temperature. We are going to look into how cool should your house be if it’s 90°F outside (striking a balance between 72°F, 75°F, and 78°F thermostat setting). 72°F indoor temperature … Read more
Air conditioner spitting water. This is quite a common problem in hot and humid summers. The water that is coming from the air conditioner is not merely leaking; you will see air conditioner water spray inside the house. Let’s explain what is happening when AC is spitting water into a room, and how you can … Read more
About 10 years ago, it was unheard of to use a heat pump in cold climates. Today, the best heat pumps for cold weather can operate at below-freezing temperatures. We are going to look into these low-temperature heat pumps and check which are the best mini split heat pumps for cold climates on the market … Read more