When it becomes time to upgrade your home cooling system, one of the most impactful improvements is getting a high-efficiency unit. This means having a higher SEER2 rating that can lower your energy bills and enhance your comfort. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the features you should look for in a great high-efficiency system to ensure that it performs efficiently from day to day.
What Is High-Efficiency?
When you hear the term high-efficiency AC, you may link that to its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, or SEER2 ratio for short. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioning system is. However, it’s important to realize that this doesn’t tell the full story. A system can have a very high rating and still perform poorly if it’s not installed or designed correctly.
As a homeowner, there are four different things you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to choosing a high-efficiency AC for your home. You need a system that can maintain even temperatures throughout your home without producing any hot or cold spots. It needs to be able to remove excess humidity from the air to make your home feel more comfortable. A good system will run smoothly and quietly without any loud cycling or on-and-off noises. A high-efficiency system will not only save you money on your monthly energy bills, but also on long-term maintenance costs and have a long lifespan.
Variable-Speed Technology
One of the biggest upgrades you can make when purchasing a high-efficiency air conditioning system is getting one with variable-speed technology. One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional air conditioning systems is that they’re too simple. They turn on at full power and then shut off once your desired temperature setting is reached. This constant cycling leads to uneven temperatures, high energy usage, and puts more wear and tear on your system.
A modern variable-speed AC can adjust its output based on your home’s unique needs. It can run longer at lower speeds to maintain a steadier temperature. A variable-speed AC can remove more humidity from the air through these longer run cycles. This not only enhances indoor humidity control but also uses less energy. Compared to the constant start-and-stop cycles of more traditional AC units, this reduces the wear and tear on your variable-speed AC and makes your home more comfortable by providing more gradual and consistent cooling.
Smart Thermostat
One component you always want to get with a high-efficiency AC is a smart thermostat. This particular device allows you to better control the temperature in your home while optimizing your system’s runtime. It can learn your schedule and make automatic adjustments to reduce your energy consumption while still maintaining adequate indoor comfort.
You can easily remotely access your thermostat at any time from your smartphone. You can look at energy usage and make adjustments in real time to better conserve energy in your home. Smart thermostats are the key to reducing unnecessary runtime and making your air conditioning system easier to control.
Enhanced Dehumidification
While home cooling is great, it’s only one component of your overall comfort throughout the summer. The other component is the humidity level. When humidity levels are high, it can make your home feel much warmer than it actually is. This is because there’s too much humidity in the air, so your sweat doesn’t get absorbed as quickly. This hinders your body’s natural process to cool you down.
When you get a high-efficiency AC, you want to choose one that has enhanced dehumidification for better humidity control. Features, like a dedicated dehumidifier mode, longer run cycles, and variable-speed compressors, can better dehumidify your home. When you’re able to control the humidity indoors, it can feel less sticky and cooler. It also goes a long way in enhancing your indoor air quality and reducing your risk of mold and mildew growth.
Enhanced Air Filtration
Indoor air quality continues to be a growing concern for a lot of homeowners. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air quality. Getting a high-efficiency air conditioner that’s equipped with enhanced filtration can help increase your indoor air quality. Many modern AC systems are compatible with MERV filters that traditional systems simply struggle to handle.
You’ll likely find that a lot of high-efficiency cooling units have options for media filters and whole-home air purification systems. When paired with proper airflow design to handle filtration upgrades, you can ensure that your air quality is optimal. This means removing allergens like dust, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants. If you suffer from asthma, allergies, or another respiratory condition, this can make a big difference in minimizing your symptoms while indoors.
Quiet System Operation
One feature you may accidentally overlook when assessing new air conditioning systems is noise. Modern high-efficiency systems are typically designed with quieter operation in mind. They have components like variable-speed motors that don’t constantly run at full blast. They have improved insulation and product design that reduces vibration. Even outdoor units are specifically engineered for lower sound levels. Instead of getting that loud burst of air, you can get a steady, barely noticeable background noise.
Installation Quality Matters
One thing you always need to keep in mind when it comes to Richmond AC installation for your home is that it will only function as well as it’s installed. It’s always important to have a professional do the installation process to ensure that it’s done correctly. This goes a long way in providing peace of mind about the functioning of your new air conditioning system and is necessary to maintain its warranty coverage.
If you have a less-than-reputable air conditioning company install your new unit, it could have severe consequences. Poor installation can reduce your system’s efficiency by between 20% and 30% or more. That’s extra money out of your pocket that isn’t necessary. Some of the most common installation issues include poor refrigerant charge, improper airflow setup, leaky or undersized ducting, and incorrect system sizing.
For example, if your new air conditioning system is too large for your space, it will repeatedly cycle on and off too quickly. This won’t allow it to run long enough to remove excess humidity from your home, leaving your home feeling sticky and uncomfortable. However, if you get a system that’s too small, it will struggle to keep up with your cooling demands. It will run constantly and likely keep your home at a higher temperature than you desire.
The Role of Ducting
One other thing you don’t want to overlook is the state of your existing ductwork. Ducting plays a major role in how well your new air conditioner will perform. If it’s damaged or poorly designed, your ducting can waste energy and reduce your indoor comfort. Some common ducting issues include poor insulation, blockages and restrictions, and air leaks that lose cooled air. Cleaning and even upgrading your ductwork can improve airflow, enhance efficiency, and improve overall comfort.
Final Considerations
When it comes to purchasing a high-efficiency cooling system for your home, your decision needs to come down to more than just price. While the total upfront cost is a big factor, so is the total cost of ownership. Consider maintenance costs and the cost of inefficiencies if your system is poorly installed.
Expert AC Replacement Services
Davis & Green offers expert AC replacement services for Richmond, VA and the surrounding towns. We can also assist with Richmond AC installation, maintenance, and repairs. Simply contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced HVAC technicians.
