Arizona Consumer Survey
PHOENIX (August 1, 2008) – Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Heating announced the results of a survey conducted by Behavioral Research Center regarding the cooling habits of Maricopa County residents during the recent hot summer months. The survey reveals that more than ninety percent of those surveyed have taken at least one step to reduce their cooling costs. The survey also shows that thirty percent of those surveyed have an air conditioning unit that is more than 6 years old, and is most likely not energy efficient, thus contributing significantly to higher than necessary cooling costs during the hot summer months.
The recent survey of 400 Maricopa County residents, identified as heads of households, about the costs of keeping their homes cool this summer indicated, surprisingly, that as many as twenty percent attribute more than 80% of their monthly electric bill to their air conditioning unit alone during the hot summer months. Overall, 71% of those surveyed attribute more than forty percent of their electric bill to the use of their air conditioning unit.
The study also asked respondents if they have taken any of the following steps to reduce energy usage in their home this summer, and nine of ten, or 91% have changed their air conditioning filters. A smaller percentage (85%) report they use ceiling and floor flans to help cut down on air conditioning usage. Six in ten (62%) have raised their thermostat settings and almost the same percentage (57%) had their air conditioning units serviced this summer. Only ten percent of those surveyed report they have recently replaced their air conditioning units to a more energy efficient unit.
When surveyed about the age of their air conditioning unit, over half (54%) of respondents report their home air conditioning units are six years old or younger. Three of ten report having units that are more than 6 years old, with nearly ten percent reporting that their units are more than 12 years old.
The survey also indicated that three-fourths of respondents state that economic benefits are the primary reason for them to seek to replace their older, less energy efficient air conditioning unit. However, at least twelve percent mentioned the importance of reducing overall demand for electricity and helping the environment as primary benefits to replacing an air conditioning unit, and 11% mentioned reducing the carbon footprint as a primary benefit.
“In Arizona, where air conditioning units run longer and more frequently than elsewhere across the country, our units become less energy efficient more quickly, and ultimately fail faster,” said Roberta Roberts-Shank, CEO of Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Heating. “Today’s technology provides for highly energy efficient units, which have had a significant impact on our customers’ monthly electric bills, cutting them by as much as $100 per month!”
About Chas Roberts — Chas Roberts Air Conditioning has been serving Arizona homeowners since 1942. The family-owned company is focused on providing quality installations and service of heating & air conditioning systems at competitive prices for Arizona residents. The largest HVAC service provider in the state, with 8 locations including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Queen Creek, Litchfield, Avondale, Sun City and Tucson, Chas Roberts passes along its buying power to homeowners, and backs its service with the largest call center in the state for the industry, and on-line scheduling capabilities. For more information, visit www.chasroberts.com.
