Due to government requirements for higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings and refrigerant standards, today’s options for air conditioning units are much higher in efficiency than they once were. HVAC technology is not done evolving, though. As far as system efficiency and HVAC performance are concerned, technology is steadily moving towards 2-stage and variable-speed systems, due to the varied cooling needs of homes during different times of the year, and even different times of the day.
Why Choose a Variable-Speed System?
Single-speed AC systems are typically sized for weather that is 95 degrees or higher. This means that during 80% of the year, they are oversized for most Texas homes. This is a problem because oversized systems go through a process called short-cycling, where they cycle on and off rapidly and perform inefficiently.
Variable-speed units, however, have the ability to automatically vary their operating speed. A variable-speed air conditioner’s output varies according to the conditions of your home, rather than running at full or a single-reduced capacity for the duration of a cycle. Ultimately, this can help you save a significant amount of money on your monthly energy bills.
In addition, a variable-speed system helps improve your air quality since the air in your home passes through your AC and its filter more frequently. Plus, it is able to keep a relatively consistent, uniform temperature throughout your home and removes humidity from your air more efficiently than a standard AC unit.
How Does It All Work?
In order to absorb heat from your home and release it outside, your air conditioner relies on refrigerant, coils, an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. While all of these components are busy moving heat, your air conditioner relies on its air handler to move the conditioned air through your home.
While your system’s operating efficiency depends on how much electricity it consumes to move heat around, it also depends on how much electricity the air handler uses to push air through your home. By investing in a unit with a variable-speed air handler, you’ll be saving significant energy and money.
