As you review the glossy brochures and compare prices, it’s perfectly understandable that you might wonder: Ishigh-efficiency air conditioning worth the investment?

The short answer? Yes -- if, that is, you want to hold onto more dollars.

Many of today's high-efficiency A/C units offer two-stage cooling, which allows the compressor to operate at lower speeds. This, in turn, extends the life span of the compressor. Others feature a variable-speed air handler, which consumes less energy, delivers better comfort and lasts longer. Meanwhile, thermal expansion valves work hard to efficiently control the amount of refrigerant that flows to the evaporator.

While technical in nature, these features may become more relevant as you consider the age of your current system. With proper care and maintenance, most systems last between 15 and 20 years. You might feel that you're in a "comfort zone" with a system that is only 10 years old. But the fact is, you could save up to 40 percent on your cooling costs by replacing it with a new high-efficiency air-conditioning system. Energy Star models, or those endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy, consume up to 50 percent less energy than systems manufactured in the 1970s.

Also, if your system was manufactured after January 2006, you unfortunately do not have efficiency standards on your side. That’s because the Department Of Energy decreed that systems made after this time must achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of 13 or higher. The previous minimum rating stood at 10.

From this point of view, the better question might be: Can you afford not to upgrade to a high-efficiency air conditioning system?

When you get ready to make the switch to high-efficiency air conditioning, call the experts at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We’ll properly size and install your new system to make your investment wholly worthwhile. We’ll also ensure that your ductwork is properly installed, sealed and insulated. Then we'll make sure your investment is covered with a proper service agreement and warranty. In the end, you can be certain: When you call JonLe Heating & Cooling, your investment is covered from every angle.

Energy efficency image via Shutterstock