If you are considering an HVAC upgrade, you have a choice between a standard air conditioner and a high-efficiency air conditioner. When your air conditioner struggles to cool your home, you may need to look at different options. Here are some things you should know about the different air conditioner types and why a high-efficiency air conditioner may be a smarter investment.
What Is SEER?
When you consider the different types of air conditioners, you first should understand SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER measures the efficiency of an air conditioner as measured in BTUs. The BTUs divide by the energy which is consumed in wattage hours.
A high-efficiency air conditioner uses a lower amount of energy, which makes the SEER rating higher than a standard air conditioner.
Is One Type of Air Conditioner More Expensive?
Initially, a standard air conditioner is less expensive to buy and install than a high-efficiency air conditioner. Over the long term, however, the energy expenditure necessary to produce cold air in a home is more expensive for a standard air conditioner than a high-efficiency air conditioner.
A high-efficiency air conditioner will save you more money over its life than a standard air conditioner since a standard air conditioner has to use more energy to make the same amount of cold air. As time goes on, the reduction in energy expenses will help pay back the initial purchase and the installation of the high-efficiency model.
How Do the Air Conditioners Compare in Performance?
All air conditioners have three fans which help circulate the air through the air ducts. A standard air conditioner will typically have a single-stage or a two-stage fan. This means the fans will cool a house until it reaches the desired temperature. A single-stage fan will turn the system off until the home gets warmer. A single fan will often release a cold blast of air when it turns back on.
A two-stage fan will allow the system to enter a second stage after the house reaches your desired temperature. During the second state, the air will continue flowing through the house to help it remain cool.
In a newer high-efficiency air conditioner, you can opt for a variable stage fan system. A variable stage system has several different fan settings which help adjust the cold air by a fraction of a degree if necessary. This fan system is more energy-efficient and will prevent the air conditioner from continually cycling.
What Are the Additional Benefits of a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner?
In addition to the reduced energy costs and less cycling of a high-efficiency air conditioner, these units will also help enhance dehumidification and the overall circulation of air. Additionally, thanks to the less frequent cycling, a high-efficiency air conditioner will have a longer life span since it will not work as hard as a standard air conditioner.
A newer high-efficiency air conditioner will also use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. Freon is longer used in air conditioners due to its toxicity. Most new systems use R410a, a more environmentally-friendly coolant.
The choice of an air conditioner is one of the most significant for any homeowner. You want to choose the air conditioner that will be the most efficient and work the best for your home, as well as one that will help save you money in the long run.
If you have any questions about a high-efficiency air conditioner, or if you need assistance with your home’s current air conditioner or HVAC system, please contact us at Apollo Heating and Air.
