Upgrading your home with a new cooling system is not a project to take lightly. There’s a lot of consideration that goes into choosing the right setup. If the system isn’t the right size, it’ll end up wasting energy and experiencing wear and tear that increases the risk of breakdowns well before the equipment reaches its expected lifespan. We’ll cover three of the most important factors that technicians consider when upgrading a home with a new energy-efficient air conditioning system.
Understanding SEER2 Ratings
SEER2 ratings, which range from about 13.4 to more than 20, are one of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for a new air conditioner. This rating measures the efficiency of the system in regard to how well it converts electricity into cooling. The higher the SEER2, the less electricity the system needs to keep the home comfortable, but higher is not always better. The size of your home, your household’s cooling needs, and your local climate all impact which SEER2 rating will deliver the best energy performance.
Choosing the Right Size Setup
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to cooling systems, but smaller doesn’t always mean more efficient. An oversized system will reach the desired temperature so fast that it shuts off before it has a chance to remove excess humidity in the air, which ends up leaving the living spaces feeling cool but clammy. An undersized system is just as problematic; it’ll have to run longer cycles to reach the set temperature. Both situations waste energy and put unnecessary wear and tear on the system, increasing the risk of breakdowns and high cooling costs.
Here are the factors that HVAC technicians consider when choosing the right-sized cooling setup for maximum energy efficiency:
- Total home square footage
- Ceiling height throughout home
- Number and size of windows
- Home insulation quality
- Local climate conditions
- Sun exposure on home
- Household occupancy levels
- Ductwork size and condition
- Home’s air leakage
- Heat-producing appliances
Inverter Technology Options
Many homeowners opt for cooling setups that feature inverter technology. These systems can adjust the speed of the compressor throughout the day to match the household’s changing cooling demands. If the humidity spikes during a hot summer afternoon, the system will automatically increase its output without you having to make any manual adjustments. On days when it’s cooler outside, the compressor will run at a lower speed, reducing wear and helping to keep your cooling costs more affordable.
The best way to ensure you get an energy-efficient cooling system is to have it installed professionally. Trained technicians know all of the factors that impact cooling performance, including proper system sizing, regional climate factors, and SEER2 ratings. If you live in Orlando, FL or a surrounding area and need AC installation services, make your first call to Frank Gay.
