With climate change causing our energy grid to change in both price and power, more homeowners than ever are looking to professional HVAC technicians to ask about efficiency. If you’re on the market for a new air conditioning installation in Alexandria, VA, then the good news is that there are some extremely powerful and energy-efficient models available right now. The bad news is that it’s not as cut and dry as you might think. One system might be more efficient for your neighbor while being the worst choice for your home.
The truth is that different systems work for different situations. The best strategy for proper efficiency in your home is figuring out which air conditioning unit will work the best for your unique comfort needs and home. While we can size air conditioners differently for different amounts of space, the technology within the AC can change depending on the type of system you invest in, like a central AC or a ductless heat pump.
The Three Systems to Choose From
The main types of air conditioners you can choose from can be broken down into three categories. They can each cool off a home of really any size, so the importance is not about which one is the largest, but which might be right for your home.
The first category is central air conditioners, which are centralized cooling units that can cool your entire home. They’re more affordable than the other options and can still operate with high-efficiency levels depending on their SEER rating.
The second category is heat pumps, which are cooling systems that operate similarly to central air conditioners except with the added bonus of running in reverse and being a heating system as well. You can get some amazing results from a system like this, since you get access to powerful cooling and heating throughout the year that’s powered by electricity.
The third category is ductless heat pumps, which are heat pumps that can cool or heat your own home, except they rely on mini split air handlers instead of air ducts. The other two options are centralized and require air ducts to transfer the cooled air throughout your home, whereas ductless systems send the conditioned air right into the rooms of your home where the air handler is set up.
Choosing the Right System
This is where things get complicated. Air conditioners come in these three major types but depending on your budget, comfort preferences, and home, you’ll be better off with a specific model.
For instance, central air conditioners are the more affordable of the two types because they only cool the air in your home and have been around for longer. So, if you’re on a tight budget, a high efficiency central AC is a great idea.
For high efficiency, check out a ductless heat pump. These systems run at peak efficiency because they can’t waste air or energy through leaking air ducts. Though, they’re going to run more expensive than standard heat pump systems, so this might be only for those with more cash on hand. The choice is yours!
Contact Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. to get set up with a fresh new energy-efficient air conditioner!