Choosing the Right High Efficiency AC System

net-zero homes

Typically, air conditioning systems in the premium category are defined as having energy efficiency ratings that are 16 SEER or higher. Most in this category also have an important feature called “capacity modulation.”

Modulating air conditioning systems provide lower energy consumption, improved humidity control, better air quality and a more comfortable environment throughout the whole home, during all seasons. However, all modulating systems are not exactly the same.

They typically fall into two broad categories – those having two “steps” or “stages” of capacity and those having “continuous” or “variable speed” capacity modulation.

We thought it would be helpful for our readers if we could compare and contrast the benefits of these categories for high efficiency systems.

Energy consumption

Two-stage modulating systems operate at two discreet levels of capacity, 100 percent on the hottest days and 67 percent on light-load air conditioning days (and most nights). When operating at 67 percent capacity, a two-stage system will use less energy because of the reduction in demand.

However, a variable speed system can slow down to deliver from as low as 20 percent capacity up to 100 percent capacity, delivering the precise cooling required by the building and therefore resulting in lower amounts of energy consumption.

Systems with two-stage compression technology are typically rated between 16 and 18 SEER, whereas variable speed systems can be rated at 25 SEER or higher, depending on the system design.

Humidity control

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that optimal humidity levels in an indoor environment should be kept below 50 percent. High humidity levels (over 60 percent) in a building can result in the growth of mold, which results in unfavorable health conditions.

In many parts of the country, humidity control is actually a bigger comfort and energy challenge than high temperatures.

In the Southeastern U.S. and in many parts of the Midwest, outdoor humidity levels are frequently in the 80 to 90 percent range during more moderate weather (e.g., in the early morning or in the spring and fall months).

As an air conditioning system operates, air flows over the condensing unit, resulting in the removal of humidity from the air. The longer a system runs, the more humidity is removed from the air.

Two-stage systems run longer than traditional fixed capacity systems, resulting in additional dehumidification.

Variable speed systems are designed to have the longest run times at low speeds and at lower energy levels, resulting in the most favorable humidity and energy levels for these conditions.

Comfort

When a variable speed air conditioner operates for longer periods, air continually moves throughout the space and through the air filter more often. This continual air movement reduces hot and cold spots, resulting in even more comfortable environments and cleaner air throughout the space.

Summary

Two-stage systems can offer significant improvements in comfort and energy savings over fixed systems. Variable speed units take this a step further by providing the best overall level of comfort and bring significant energy savings for the owner, reducing the impact to local utility demand and your wallet. That is something we can all appreciate on a hot, humid, summer day!

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7 thoughts on “Choosing the Right High Efficiency AC System

  1. These are great tips and outline a really effective way to make a decision. I think it is important to note that for many consumers, budget is also a factor. There can be about a $2,000(or more) price difference between high and low, which is a huge amount for many consumers. Finding the right unit that gives them all the bang for their limited buck is really key.

  2. My contractor want’s to Charge me 847.00 to disconnect and haul away my old unit. I want to scrape the unit myself is it worth it ? for the copper and such.

    • Hi Patrick – removing and scrapping out a large, central stype air conditioning system can involve a few hours of labor and some specialized tools. The refrigerant in your old system can not be legally “vented” to the atmosphere anymore. It needs to be “reclaimed” so it can be recycled or destroyed without affecting the environment. This work should be done by a trained HVAC technician with the right tools for these and other reasons.

      Also, the metals inside the unit itself are not easily separated into piles of copper, steel, aluminum, etc so some scrap dealers may not take them or may not give you much for them since they have to separate all the metals themselves later.

      Usually, when you purchase a new system, the contractor calculates the removal and disposal of the old system into the price for your project. On this site, we usually encourage people to get 2-3 quotes from a few different contractors before deciding on a new system. I guess the same would apply to the removal and disposal of an old system since prices vary greatly. Some contractors also have fairly innnovative methods which allow them to keep your costs low. It pays to shop around. Hope this helps.

    • Hi Barry – A company called Emerson Quiet Kool Corp. manufactured a line of room air conditioners, but I believe this was discontinued a few years ago. The Emerson Quiet Kool brand is not related or affiliated in any way to the sponsor for this site, Copeland Climate Technologies, Inc., or Copeland Electric Co.

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