Air conditioning isn’t just a luxury in Naples, FL — it is a necessity. Besides keeping your home cool throughout the hot summer months, it helps control humidity, dust, and other air pollutants and protects your property from damage. However, AC systems differ in their efficiency. Traditional units often consume excessive energy and use phased-out components. On the other hand, modern, high-efficiency systems offer superior cooling at a fraction of the running costs. Here are some reasons to consider an upgrade.
1. Reduced Energy Consumption
A high-efficiency AC can have a seasonal energy efficiency (SEER2) rating as high as 26. In comparison, the minimum SEER2 rating for AC units in the Southeastern U.S. is 14.3. A system rated 14.5 SEER2 or above might receive an ENERGY STAR label for energy efficiency.
This is made possible by a few critical features. First, these systems have a high exchange surface area. They have more metal fins on the copper tubes that carry the refrigerant, allowing them to trap more heat from the indoor air. The copper tubes are also lighter to facilitate better heat transfer.
Second, high-efficiency ACs utilize multi-stage compressors, which can modulate their speed based on the cooling demand. When it is too hot, the compressor operates at high speeds to provide maximum cooling, and when the temperature drops, it slows down to save as much energy as possible. In comparison, traditional central AC compressors run on full throttle at all times, even when you don’t need the extra cooling. Constant operation leads to higher energy consumption and increases wear and tear on the system.
Finally, high-efficiency AC fan motors utilize advanced design features such as improved rotor dynamics, optimized magnetic fields, and variable speed control, which enable them to draw significantly less power while operating at the needed cooling capacity.
2. Longer Lifespan
High-efficiency AC systems have a longer lifespan than traditional units because they tend to operate at lower loads. For instance, their multi-stage compressors don’t strain when they don’t need to, minimizing wear and tear.
With less wear and tear, the chances of a breakdown decrease significantly. AC system repairs can negatively impact the lifespan of the equipment. For example, if you replace a compressor, other relatively worn-out parts will have to work harder to keep up with its performance. This imbalance can lead to further stress and more potential failures in the future. That means fewer calls for fixes from your local AC company.
Highly efficient ACs are made with high-quality, durable parts to meet the ever evolving HVAC industry standards. In fact, you can find manufacturers that offer lengthy warranties because of their confidence in the durability of their systems.
3. Improved Air Quality
High-efficiency AC systems will improve the quality of your indoor air. They utilize superior air filtration technologies, such as high MERV pleated filters, HEPA filters, or UV technology, to trap more airborne particles. Ducted systems may also come with integrated dehumidifiers to manage humidity levels, which is crucial in preventing mold and mildew growth.
Moreover, installing an AC with modern, high-efficiency technology will provide better air circulation. They may come with smart sensors that can detect temperature variations in different areas of your room and adjust airflow accordingly or incorporate louvers or vanes, which can automatically adjust to direct cool air where it’s needed most. Proper airflow ensures a constant supply of fresh air and quicker eradication of harmful pollutants, allergens, and odors.
4. Government Requirements
The federal government is constantly updating the laws or minimum energy requirements for HVAC systems. On Jan. 1, 2023, the metric used for measuring energy efficiency changed from SEER to SEER2 to provide a more accurate representation of an AC system’s performance under real-world conditions. And the production and import of R-22 and R-410A, refrigerants commonly used a few years ago, will be phased down to 0.5% of baseline levels by 2030.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, investing in a modern, high-efficiency air conditioner is a wise choice. Look for a system that uses hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants with lower global warming potential.
Contact Us for More Information
If you are interested in a high-efficiency AC system in Naples, our experts at KOZAK Air Conditioning & Refrigeration can help you select the right one. We’ll also give you a free estimate on the installation and ensure the process is seamless from start to finish. Additionally, we can help you set up a maintenance plan to keep your new AC running efficiently throughout its lifespan. Give us a call today!
