Are You Sweating This ‘SEER-iously’ Hot Summer?

Many U.S. consumers have spent a lot of time this summer thinking about how to properly sear a steak on their grills. But with temperatures soaring into the triple digits, a different kind of “SEER” is catching their attention – the SEER rating on their air conditioners. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and the higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner, which translates into monthly energy savings.

According to Emerson Climate Technologies, a global business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), an air conditioner’s SEER rating can not only result in increased comfort but also take some of the heat off consumer wallets. In fact, a homeowner with a 16 SEER unit can save more than $2,000 in operating costs vs. the required minimum 13 SEER system.

This year has been the hottest so far in U.S. history, according to the National Climatic Data Center, and many air conditioners already are working overtime. Some units just won’t be able to take the heat. In fact, approximately 4 million air conditioners are replaced each year, leaving consumers with many choices in terms of a replacement unit. Choosing ones with high SEER ratings can be the coolest choice.

“A high-efficiency air conditioner will not only save money over the life of the unit, but will also provide increased comfort and years of reliable operation,” said Ed Purvis, president of Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR). “Because most homeowners will be faced with purchasing a new air conditioner only once or twice in their lifetimes, knowing what’s available and what’s required through the latest regulations can be a daunting task. Talking with a reputable contractor can help consumers make smart, well-informed decisions.”

In addition to speaking with a contractor, Purvis also offers the following three tips for staying cool and saving money this summer:

• Make sure your outside unit is free of debris. Restricted airflow from leaves or grass clippings can cause the compressor to work harder, costing you more money.
• Change the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter causes the system to work harder and therefore less efficiently.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat – and use it. More than 65 percent of homeowners with programmable thermostats fail to set them, costing hundreds of dollars in savings each year.

For more information, visit: www.EmersonClimate.com.

About Emerson Climate Technologies

Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson, is the world’s leading provider of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration solutions for residential, industrial, and commercial applications. The group combines best-in-class technology with proven engineering, design, distribution, and educational and monitoring services to provide customized, integrated climate-control solutions for customers worldwide. Emerson Climate Technologies’ innovative solutions, which include industry-leading brands such as Copeland Scroll and White-Rodgers, improve human comfort, safeguard food, and protect the environment. Learn more about Emerson Climate Technologies products and services at www.EmersonClimate.com.

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets around the world. The company is comprised of five business segments: Process Management, Industrial Automation, Network Power, Climate Technologies, and Commercial & Residential Solutions. Sales in fiscal 2011 were $24.2 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.

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