Energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important factor when homeowners shop for HVAC systems. For your next one, you may want to consider a high-end air conditioner and heating system. Don’t let the term “high-end” mislead you. When you realize how efficient these systems can be, as well as their other advantages, you might be convinced they’re a good investment.
Here are some some options to consider for your high-end upgrade.
Ductless Mini Split
Ductless mini splits are a type of heat pump that, as the name suggests, don’t need ducts to deliver air conditioning and cooling. Popular in Europe and Japan, they are finding a market in this country for the clean, quiet and efficient way they deliver cooling and heating — despite what may seem as a rather hefty price tag.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Not every property is suitable for a geothermal system, but if yours is, and you can afford the installment, you’d be wise to consider it. Geothermal heat pumps work by moving heat out of the home and into the ground in summer, and reversing the process in winter. These are clean, efficient air conditioning and heating systems, although heat pumps in a region with colder temperatures may struggle to heat a home in winter, so backup heating may be needed.
High-End Bells and Whistles
Traditional air conditioners and furnaces are these days being sold with a variety of efficient features, such as these:
Zoning system. Zoned heating and cooling sends conditioned air only to occupied rooms, and also allows occupants to adjust the thermostat in different zones as needed.
Smart thermostat. Operators can adjust temperatures, humidity levels and other factors from home or far away.
Variable speed technology. Variable speed technology can refer to A/C compressors or furnace blower motors, but in either case, the air conditioning or heating is delivered more precisely and as needed.
Higher efficiency ratings. Furnaces with higher AFUEs (annual fuel utilization efficiency) and A/Cs with higher SEERS (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) are more economical to operate.
For more on a high-end air conditioner or heating system, contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).