The Difference Between a High-Quality And Low-Quality Air Conditioning System

Are you faced with high energy bills and wondering if your air conditioning unit is quality enough to meet the demands of your home? In 2019, it’s safe to say that an air conditioner isn’t high quality if it’s not an energy efficient unit. But there are some specific features to call out that make the difference between a high and low quality air conditioning unit.

What is an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner?

Simply stated, an energy efficient air conditioning unit is said to have a SEER rating of at least 16. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioning unit. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. A “SEER” rating is a measure of how many “BTU’s” are produced with each input of 1 watt of electricity.

*SEER Ratings are provided by manufacturers and often say “up to ___ SEER.” This is because only the Department of Energy can offer ARI ratings which are a true SEER measure.

These measure the Efficiency of a given Air Conditioner installed with a particular furnace. A SEER rating of a new Air Conditioner installed on an older 1-stage blower furnace will not be as efficient and is anybody’s guess as to how efficient this “miss-matched” system will be.

Example:

• Older 8 SEER Unit will produce 8 BTU’s of Cooling per each watt of energy input
• Newer standard efficiency 13 SEER unit/system will produce 13 BTU’s of cooling per each watt or a 38% increase in efficiency
• A Very High 18 SEER Unit/system would produce 18 BTU’s per watt or a 55% reduction in energy use over the older 8 SEER Unit/system!

The goal of an energy efficient air conditioner is to reduce energy usage and costs, benefiting your wallet, your comfort, and the environment. If you want a truly high quality unit, you should choose one that is considered high efficiency and comes with certain features that help reduce energy costs and increase comfort.

Components of a High Quality, Energy Efficient Unit

Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save 20 to 40 percent on home cooling costs by replacing your old, low quality air conditioning unit with a new, energy efficient model.

Variable Speed

You know you have a high quality AC unit when it has features that help reduce energy usage and increase efficiency. A variable-speed compressor is one of those features. Unlike single or double-speed systems, a variable-speed compressor automatically adjusts its energy use and output based on the thermostat settings and exterior conditions, ultimately reducing energy costs.

Media Filters

Rather than traditional spun fiberglass filters, high efficiency pleated media filters are thick and have greater surface area due to their accordian-style design. As a result, these filters trap more dirt and dust and circulate cleaner air into your home.

In addition, a high quality unit will include a filter check light that comes on when it’s time to change the filter, taking the guesswork out of changing AC filters.

Humidity Controls

A high quality unit can do more than just cool your home, it can help manage the humidity levels and reduce the need for a dehumidifier. The High Efficiency Air Conditioning Units of today can come equipped with the ability to choose the humidity level YOU consider comfortable. Humidity control by pulling excess humidity out of the air can make you feel more comfortable at a higher temperature setting, saving energy. Reduced humidity in the home can prevent moisture/mold in your home.

Sound

New energy efficient air conditioning units are much quieter than older, traditional units. Compressor sound blankets and upgraded fan blades are two features that greatly reduce operating sounds. You are able to have a sound blanket installed on a unit that doesn’t have one, but a truly high quality unit will have one built into it from the start.

Blower System

Newer AC models are built with a continuous blower system that offers constant air circulation. This helps extend the life of the unit by staying away from on/off cycles that irritate the unit and cause excessive wear and tear. A continuous blower system helps regulate humidity and maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home.

Maintain Quality of Your Air Conditioner With Jennings

At Jennings Heating and Cooling, your home comfort is our top priority. Our experienced team of technicians can inspect your air conditioning unit to determine its quality and whether or not it’s meeting the demands of your home. Contact us today to request an appointment!

In addition, our Rewards Club helps you stay on track with maintenance of your unit to maintain lasting quality. Learn more about our Rewards or let us know you’re interested in signing up!