With global warming becoming more prominent, many homeowners and renters gravitate toward high-efficiency AC units. As the economy has led to higher consumer costs, many individuals look to save money by any means necessary.
According to research, the most efficient air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. That’s why many people are upgrading their HVAC systems.
Although most of us are dedicated to the cause, we need help finding the information to make AC upgrades. So, our passionate and dedicated professionals at Action Air Conditioning in Tampa Bay, Florida, have provided you with the ins and outs of high-efficiency AC units to help you determine what’s most appropriate for your home.
What are High-Efficiency AC Units?
AC efficiency is measured by how well a system cools in a given space and the amount of electricity required to do so. This is typically determined using what’s known as efficiency ratios. Older units have been evaluated using SEER standards. SEER is calculated by dividing an AC’s total cooling output by the energy consumed (i.e., warm season).
In comparison, SEER2 refers to the energy consumed for heating and cooling systems to evaluate overall equipment performance. The numerical value is calculated by dividing the total heat removed from an air-conditioned space during that annual period by the electrical energy consumed by the AC/heat pump.
However, as of January 1, 2023, all new units must be SEER2 compliant. These new standards specify that there must be a minimum of 14 for SEER on all new systems (14.3 SEER2 equivalent) and 15 SEER for the southern United States.
So, as a homeowner or renter, it’s best to understand these qualifications to select the appropriate system for your home.
What’s the Difference Between High and Low-Efficiency Systems?
Low-efficiency units are room air conditioners. Although they cool a small space well, they have lower efficiency than central ACs. Room ACs are measured in EER (energy efficient ratio), measured in British Thermal Units (Btu). Specifically, they have a range of 5,500 Btu to 14,000 Btu. Overall, they’re much less efficient than standard HVAC systems and, as a result, cannot be compared using the SEER scale.
Another way to distinguish between high and low efficiency is by the type of system. Several types include single-speed, two-stage, and variable-speed. Single-speed systems only have one setting—high airflow. The issue is they operate at a fixed speed, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
Variable-speed ACs are more effective because they can have up to 700 distinct compressor settings that correspond to airflow levels. Furthermore, they have a higher SEER2 rating than their counterparts. Two-stage ACs, while better than the single-speed, are not as good.
How can You Benefit from Upgrading your System?
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners use about 6% of the energy produced in the United States, resulting in an annual cost of about $29 billion for homeowners. Given these astounding numbers, it’s no wonder why many individuals are considering upgrading their units.
Therefore, the DOE recommends considering SEER and SEER2 ratings when selecting an AC for your home. If you do upgrade, you will save up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs. In addition, you will reduce your carbon footprint.
Can Action Air Help Me Find an Efficient HVAC Unit?
If you are a Florida resident and want to upgrade to a high-efficiency AC unit, rely on Action Air Conditioning. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you with the most appropriate recommendation, given your home and budget. We ensure that all new units meet the current SEER2 standards. Instead of worrying, we will assess whether your system needs to be modified or upgraded.
Specializing in maintenance, installation, repairs, inspections, and upgrades, Action Air provides a reliable and worry-free operation. We prioritize customer satisfaction, working to responsibly address all of your HVAC needs. Contact us today to speak with an expert or request a free estimate.