Homeowners looking for increased energy savings do well to explore the benefits of high-efficiency air conditioners. Efficiency is expressed through the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Canada has set a minimum SEER 13 rating for central air conditioning systems between 65,000 and 240,000 Btu/h (British Thermal Units per hour). A SEER rating is impacted by the design of its components within the system itself. You’ll want to look for these advanced features:
Compressors
A compressor is the outdoor unit of a system where the refrigerant changes from a gas to liquid form through the condensing process. It’s also where unwanted air from inside the home is vented to the outdoors. Units that have increased efficiency with scroll or advanced reciprocating compressors impact how hard your system has to work and can reap considerable savings.
Variable-Speed Compressors
In the past, most air conditioning systems ran at one speed, which wasn’t very efficient. Systems on the market today use variable-speed compressors that allow the air handler to run at multiple speeds. This means that your A/C operates at a lower fan speed while saving energy and effectively cooling the air.
Heat Exchanger
This is the component that removes heat from the air in your home and cools it. Depending on the fuel type, the exchanger transfers heat from the fuel to air or, in hydronic systems, boiler to water. Technological advancements here have created larger heat exchanger surfaces to more efficiently cool air.
Refrigerant
Standards established by the government require the use of the new R410-A, which is environmentally friendly, in new models. Refrigerant is a fluid that is capable of expelling heat at high temperatures to create cooler air. Improvements here allow for better refrigerant flow to increase efficiency.
If you’re upgrading air conditioning systems in the near future, look for advanced energy-saving features in high-efficiency air conditioners. The experts at Arpi’s are industry leaders in air conditioning system installations and upgrades. We can help you choose a system that will get you the best savings possible and match your home’s needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Arpi’s services Calgary, Alberta. To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.
