At the start of the summer, we took a look at the energy efficiency rating for air conditioners (SEER) to help you understand how modern ACs are rated and compared. We encourage customers who have an air conditioner that’s more than 15 years old to replace it with a new system—even if the current system still seems to be working adequately—because it means superior energy efficiency right from the start. That’s not only because a newer system will be in better shape. It’s also because the current crop of air conditioners are more energy efficient in general.
Why is that the case? What technological developments have allowed the current line of air conditioners (as well as heat pumps) to use less energy to run while providing the same cooling power? There are a couple of reasons:
Better Construction
This is a simple way to say that HVAC manufacturers are just better at making air conditioners capable of running on less power. Better motors, smaller parts, etc. There are numerous small advances in manufacturing that make an air conditioner draw on less power to operate.
Change in refrigerant
If you have an air conditioner that was installed before 2010, it may use a refrigerant blend called R-22. This blend is being phased out. No new systems using R-22 are being manufactured, and the blend itself will stop being produced in 2020. The replacement refrigerant blend, R-410A, is not only better for the environment, it’s also a better heat transference fluid, helping ACs to run at greater energy efficiency. Because the price of R-22 is rising and it soon be unavailable entirely, we urge homeowners who have R-22 air conditioners to replace the units as soon as is convenient.
Variable-stage fans
Not all new air conditioners have a variable-speed fan option, but it’s something customers should look into as an upgrade. The standard central air conditioner has a blower fan that runs on one speed. A variable-speed fan can power down to a lower level of operation, and does so automatically whenever it isn’t necessary to work at full capacity. Most blower fans will run on lower capacity 60% of the time. Not only does this save money, but it helps with a more even distribution of cool air around the home.
Multi-stage compressors
This is one of the most energy-conserving features a new air conditioning system have can have. These central air conditioners do not have to use the maximum power for the compressor all the time the compressor is running. The system will drop down to a lower capacity (much the same way a variable-speed fan does) to adapt to the conditions in a home. Because the compressor uses more power than any other component of an air conditioner, cutting down on how much power it uses helps immensely with increasing energy efficiency. Some multi-stage compressor ACs have higher than 20 SEER.
Finding the right new air conditioning system that matches your home and your budget is a job to leave to the professionals. To arrange for a great new central air conditioning system in Staten Island, NY, simply contact our expert HVAC specialists.
Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning has served Staten Island, NY since 1955. Talk to us today for a free proposal on all replacements.
