If the age of your air conditioner is approaching double digits, it’s worth it to explore your options when it comes to purchasing a new system. Modern air conditioners have many features that improve comfort, save money and enhance the environment.
Traditional HVAC systems are either 100 percent on or 100 percent off. Variable speed technology matches the capacity to the demand, so when the cooling demand is light, the blower runs at a reduced speed. The Energy Information Administration reports that 13 percent of a home’s electrical use goes toward air conditioning. By using variable speed compressors, modern air conditioners reduce energy consumption by 40 percent.
Condensers used in air conditioners today have a lower decibel rating than their counterparts of yesteryear. Changes in the design of fan blades, and wrapped and insulated compressors also contribute to noise reduction.
Twenty-year-old air conditioners typically use about 6,000 watts of power an hour to cool an average-sized home. Today’s air conditioners use as little as 1,710 watts per hour, reflecting a significant increase in efficiency.
For years, manufacturers used R-22 as the refrigerant in air conditioners. R-22 is the name used for DuPont’s chloroflourocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. Other companies sell the product under other names. R-22 is one of the most common ozone-depleting refrigerants. Modern air conditioners use R-410A, which benefits the environment because it does not deplete the ozone.
The computerized systems of today are easy to use, and allow precise control of your indoor environment. Features of smart systems include the ability to regulate individual thermostats, notifying you when an AC repair is needed, and the capability of adjusting settings remotely from your computer or smartphone.
Purchasing a new system can mean savings of up to 40 percent on cooling costs. To learn more about the benefits of updating your air conditioner, check out our selection of air conditioners or call (903) 200-4584.