When you decide it’s time to invest in an air conditioning system for your home, there are many options out there. Understanding which ones are the most efficient can allow you to minimize your energy expenses while enjoying optimal comfort in your home. Below, we’ll discuss the different units so that you can make a better-informed decision about which one is appropriate for your household.
Types of Cooling Systems
There are three types of cooling systems you can purchase, which include a central air conditioner, a heat pump, and a ductless mini-split system. All of these systems work similarly in the fact they remove hot air from inside your home and transport it outside. All systems have an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser unit.
Both traditional central air conditioners and heat pumps use ductwork to deliver cold air throughout your home. Ductless mini-split systems use multiple indoor air handler units to deliver cold air to each room of your home. All three of these units can be effective. However, some hold higher efficiency ratings than others.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners can be an effective way to deliver cold air to all the different rooms in your home with ease. This system relies on one thermostat to control the temperature throughout your home. All central air conditioners have a seasonal energy efficiency rating or SEER2 rating for short. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.
These units come in three categories of efficiencies, which are standard, high, and ultra-high. Standard efficiency central air conditioners have a SEER2 rating of between 14 and 16. High-efficiency models have ratings between 17 and 20, while ultra-high models have an efficiency between 21 and 26 or more.
One thing to keep in mind is that high-efficiency models do cost more upfront to purchase than standard efficiency models. However, they will provide you with long-term energy savings on your monthly energy bills. Unfortunately, one major drawback of central air conditioners is that they’re susceptible to ductwork losses, which occur when gaps open up in your ducting and allow your cold air to escape into floor and wall crevices. The EPA estimates that ductwork losses can account for a 30% increase in your annual cooling bills.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps also have efficiency ratings and three classes of efficiency. Standard efficiency heat pumps operate at about 14 to 16 SEER2. High-efficiency models are between 17 and 21, while ultra-high efficiency units with variable speed components can have SEER2 ratings of between 22 and 30 or more.
Heat pumps are susceptible to ductwork losses just like central air conditioners. However, they do provide the added benefit of producing hot air for your home during the winter months. Instead of purchasing a separate heating system, you can purchase one heat pump to meet your comfort needs throughout the entire year.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are also available in three different efficiency categories. Standard efficiency units have a SEER2 rating between 18 and 21, while high-efficiency units have ratings between 22 and 26. Ultra high-efficiency ductless mini-split systems operate anywhere between 27 SEER2 and 30 or more.
Unlike central air conditioners and heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems don’t rely on ducts to deliver cold air to your home. For this reason, they’re not susceptible to the standard ductwork losses that can drive up your summertime cooling bills. Mini-split systems also provide both heating and cooling for your home for all-year-round comfort.
Influencing Factors
It’s crucial to realize that the effectiveness of any cooling system will be highly dependent on numerous factors specific to your household. For example, if your home lacks insulation, any one of these three systems will struggle to keep your home adequately cool through the warm summer days.
If your home gets a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day and you leave your windows unobstructed, the sun can naturally warm up your home and cause inefficient unit performance. If your ductwork is over 20 years old, it’s highly likely that it has a lot of gaps that will significantly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. The best way to have an effective home cooling system is to ensure your home is set up to allow for optimal system performance.
Helpful AC Installation Service
Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. provides helpful AC installation services for the Normal, IL area. We can also assist with all your air conditioning replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Call us today to book a consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians.
