We see this sentiment a lot. Homeowners care about their budget more than anything else, so they want an air conditioner that’s going to keep energy bills low and their homes comfortable. So that begs the question—what’s the most energy-efficient air conditioner on the market?
Well, hold your horses. AC system installations in Altamonte Springs, FL aren’t that simple. If there was one high-efficiency air conditioner then homeowners would always just choose that one. The truth is that more high-tech, high-efficiency air conditioners cost more to install and might not even fit in your home correctly. Different homes and budgets call for different systems, and the truth is that you might get energy efficiency from a standard central air conditioner.
With all that considered, let’s talk about the most energy-efficient systems on the market. We’ll get to the bottom of which system we think is right for your home.
How to Measure Efficiency
First, we need to tackle the complicated topic of measuring the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. This must be done before choosing the most efficient system for your home.
Energy efficiency is often measured in a SEER rating (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), which will tell you how much energy the unit has to consume in order to cool a given space. The higher the SEER rating of an air conditioner, the more energy-efficient it is, right? Well, yes and no.
The amount of energy you use will also depend on your home and the operation of the system. The more you use your air conditioner and the larger your house is, the more energy you’re going to need to consume. That’s why choosing the right AC unit is more about choosing a system that fits your home.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners aren’t as efficient as heat pumps or ductless mini split systems. But one thing they do have over those other systems is their price. Central AC systems are more efficient than they used to be, and they’re much more affordable to install in your house than a heat pump. This means that you might be able to deal with the higher energy costs by saving money overall on the lower initial price tag.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are convenient and functional. They can both cool and heat your home throughout the year. They’re getting extremely efficient and they’re a serious improvement over central air conditioners for a higher initial installation price.
Though, keep in mind that your energy efficiency will also depend on the condition of your air ducts. Make sure they’re in good shape before investing in a heat pump to save on energy bills.
Ductless Mini Splits
Technically, ductless mini splits are some of the most efficient AC systems on the market. They have incredibly high SEER values, function as heat pumps for the fall and winter as well, and they’re effective for any home. The only downside to these kinds of systems is that they have an expensive price tag to install.
These systems can cool your home through individual air handlers that focus specific areas of your house. This means that you can save on energy costs by only cooling the sections of your home where you spend the most time. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, ductless mini splits are your best option.
Contact Facemyer Air Conditioning and Heating to invest in a new air conditioner. Exceeding Your Expectations With Comfort!