There have been some major innovations in air conditioning technology in recent years. New possibilities have opened up, and it has made it possible to use a lot less energy in the air conditioning process. If you’re looking to replace your central AC unit, and you’ve heard of high-efficiency air conditioners, you might wonder: is that what I should get?
The best way to make any major decision about your home is to begin with some research. We’re here to share facts about your AC options so that you can make a choice you feel confident in.
New Efficiency Standards
As of January 2023, new standards went into effect regarding the efficiency of AC units. The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) requirements were raised. In northern states, where air conditioning is used much less of the time, AC units must have a SEER rating of 14, and in southern states, the SEER rating must be at least 15. This means that any air conditioner you can purchase today will be more efficient than those purchased in the past. However, like any minimum, this means there are AC units with much higher ratings, well into the twenties.
New Technologies
There are several things that have made it possible to create air conditioners with much higher SEER ratings. New types of refrigerant have been created. New materials are being used for the coils that contain the refrigerant, making heat transfer occur more quickly and easily so that the AC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to absorb heat from your home. Fan motors were developed which work at multiple speeds, allowing the air conditioner to use less power during operation. And there have been advances in compressors, which have traditionally either been ON or OFF. Some new multi-stage compressors modulate their power usage, working at very high efficiency unless more power is actually required to accomplish the necessary cooling.
Weighing the Options
The highest-efficiency options for your next air conditioning installation in Boerne, TX will be the more expensive options. For that price tag, you will get the benefit of paying less each month when your electric bill is due. The higher the SEER rating, the less you’ll pay for energy. There are also benefits with regard to the effectiveness of the unit. These top-of-the-line systems usually include features that enhance the unit’s ability to cool your home evenly and give you more control, such as zoning systems and smart thermostats.
The mid-efficiency options cost less up front, but you will pay more in operational costs, and they are likely to have fewer of the other features that can contribute to a great AC experience. But even these options will be a big improvement over the aging air conditioner you’ve been thinking about replacing.
The Professional Touch
The only way to choose an air conditioner that is ideal for your home, your family, and your budget is to get help from a qualified AC technician. Two of the most critical factors in making sure your new AC unit can give you everything you’ve been hoping for are getting the right size unit (based on careful calculations about your home) and having it installed by experienced professionals.
Contact D’Spain Sales & Service to talk to a member of our team.
