What is the Most Efficient Type of AC Unit?
Homeowners throughout Waco, TX and beyond are constantly searching for products built with the latest and greatest technology, including air conditioners. Newer AC systems are more efficient than their older counterparts, but why does efficiency matter, how is it measured, and what system will provide you with the greatest efficiency ratings?
In the latest blog post from Evergreen Heating & Air, we’ll answer these questions and more to help you experience comfort while saving money on your monthly energy bills. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule services with our experienced team.
Why Does an Air Conditioner’s Efficiency Matter?
Put simply, the more energy efficient the unit, the easier it will be for the system to provide your home with cool temperatures. A system that doesn’t need to work as hard to cool down your home will present more even and consistent temperatures throughout the home.
However, the biggest draw to high-efficiency HVAC systems is in the form of lower energy bills. A high-efficiency air conditioner won’t need to stay on for as long in order to bring your home to the set temperature, using less electricity, saving you money, and reducing your overall carbon footprint.
The most energy-efficient air conditioners will typically also last longer than less efficient units, as the system will be put through less stress. This decreases the chances of needing expensive repairs or even a complete system replacement earlier than you’d otherwise need.
How is Air Conditioner Efficiency Measured?
All air conditioners feature a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating that tells you how efficient the system is. The SEER rating measures the amount of cooling output an air conditioner distributes relative to the amount of energy it consumes over a typical cooling season.
SEER ratings are typically determined in a controlled environment by a series of tests. During these tests, the air conditioner is run through a series of cooling cycles at various temperatures and humidity levels. The amount of energy consumed by the air conditioner is then measured, and this data is used to calculate the SEER rating.
Typically, a rating of 14 signals that the system is highly efficient. Newer air conditioning systems can often reach this number, while older systems tend to hit a score of around 10. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is.
The Most Efficient AC Unit
Newer air conditioning systems will always be more efficient than older units, as they’ve experienced less strain and were built with the latest technology. While central air conditioners can certainly be an effective and efficient choice for your home, two types of cooling systems are often regarded as being the most efficient: heat pumps and ductless mini split systems.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one area to another, allowing for maximum energy efficiency. They can provide both cool or warm temperatures, depending on the season, allowing you to use one system for all of your heating and cooling needs.
During the cooling season, heat pumps absorb heat from the indoor air and transfer it outside, effectively cooling the indoor space. During the heating season, the process is reversed, and thermal energy is drawn in from the outside to warm up the home.
Ductless Mini Splits
These systems are installed in individual rooms or zones throughout the home, rather than in one central area. They use an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units to create and distribute cooled air. The indoor units are mounted on the wall or ceiling of each room and are connected to the outdoor unit by a small refrigerant line.
Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for greater temperature control and energy savings. Additionally, because they don’t require ductwork, ductless mini-splits won’t fall prone to issues often created by ductwork, such as leaks. This means that any heated or cooled air will be directly distributed to the room where the system is installed, eliminating wasted air.
Contact Evergreen Heating & Air for AC Installation Services
When you contact Evergreen for AC installation services in the Waco, TX area, we’ll help you find the best type of air conditioner for your home. Whether that’s in the form of a central air conditioner, heat pump, or ductless mini split, we’ll discuss your options with you to help you make the best decision. Get in contact with our team today to learn more or to schedule an appointment in Waco or the Central Texas area.