Are you thinking about installing a new central air conditioning system this fall? An AC system replacement in New Braunfels, TX is best done either in spring or fall, between the periods when HVAC systems do the most work. We recommend you act soon to have a replacement system. Call our technicians and they’ll help you with a great installation.
Since you’re planning on getting a new cooling system, consider some of the newer air conditioners on the market that have higher efficiency than your current system. You could switch from an old, outdated 13 SEER unit to one with 20 SEER or higher. Below we’ve listed a few of the choices for an AC with superb energy efficiency:
Variable-Speed Fan Systems
This is one of the more common types of high-efficiency air conditioners. The blower fan of a standard AC only operates at full capacity. The air conditioner runs the fan until the thermostat registers the home’s temperature has reached its setting. A variable-speed fan can operate at a lower capacity, in which the AC adjusts automatically to match the indoor cooling requirements. Around 60% of the time, the fan runs at lower capacity mode, and this reduces electrical use. The two fan speeds also help for a more even distribution of air around the house, helping to remove hot spots.
Inverter Air Conditioning Systems
This technological advance in air conditioning controls the speed of the compressor motor so it can constantly modulate indoor temperatures. A standard AC compressor can only operate at a single speed, so it’s either on or off. When the AC can alter how hard the compressor works to correspond with a home’s cooling needs, it uses less electrical power. A microcontroller monitors the indoor air to finely adjust the AC so the home enjoys superior comfort along with the savings.
Ductless Air Conditioning Systems (And VRV/VRF Option)
Installing a ductless air conditioner is a radical change because it’s a mini split system rather than a conventional split system. What does that mean? Instead of using a single indoor evaporator and air handler connected to ductwork to distribute cooled air around a house, a mini split uses multiple smaller indoor air handlers with refrigerant coils. These air handlers are installed in the walls of different rooms, where they send cooled air straight into living spaces.
Ductless systems have high energy efficiency because the cooled air doesn’t gain heat through the duct walls. They also use smaller motors that consume less power. An advanced technology called variable refrigerant flow (VRF)/variable refrigerant volume (VRV) that’s available in some ductless mini splits can boost efficiency further. VRF/VRV systems can regulate how much refrigerant goes to the different indoor units, giving a homeowner flexible control over how much power the system expends.
However, ductless mini splits are not ideal for every home. They work best for new construction, remodeling, and older houses without space for ducts.
Don’t worry if these choices feel confusing. Let our experts guide your decision to the new AC that meets your comfort and budget needs.
At Thayer Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 priority! Talk to us today to find out more about AC replacement options.
