HVAC systems are essential equipment for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. They can also be a large part of your monthly energy bill. If you want to spend less money on heating and cooling costs, research the different types of HVAC systems available to find one that is perfect for your home or business. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on the best HVAC system for energy efficiency:
Types of HVAC Systems
There are a variety of HVAC systems that can be used to keep your home at the optimal temperature. The most common systems include split, packaged, and ductless.
Split systems: A split system is made up of two parts—the outside compressor/condenser unit and the indoor evaporator coil or condenser coil. These can be paired with an indoor air handler/electric furnace or a gas furnace with a whole range of different energy efficiencies. It will depend on the cost of your local utilities, which is the more efficient option. This type of HVAC is ideal for homes with large open spaces or smaller areas, as it can be ducted throughout the house, accommodating either one.
Packaged units: A packaged unit will mean that your heating and cooling components are all “packaged” into one unit that sits outside your home. These systems prevent you from having to place a gas or electric furnace inside your home. Packaged units will have ducting just like the traditional split system. They can be ducted throughout the home or business, including individual rooms.
Ductless Mini-split: Mini-splits work with a similar concept as a regular split system. However, mini-splits are mini, so your outdoor unit is much smaller than a traditional condenser. Your indoor unit will also be much smaller than a conventional one and will hang on your wall. This means you will have no ductwork, hence “ductless mini-split.” These units are extremely quiet and highly efficient. The downside is that they only heat/cool the indoor unit’s area. This can be counteracted by purchasing a multi-head unit, but you should discuss this option with your preferred heating and cooling company before deciding.
An AC Heat Pump is an Energy-Efficient Option
The AC heat pump is a two-in-one system that can be used for cooling and heating. It’s great for homes in hot climates, but a heat pump may still be the right choice, even in cooler weather.
The Advantages of a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner System
If you’re looking for an air conditioning system to save some cost on your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable, then a ductless mini split might be the right option. Ductless mini splits are some of the highest-efficiency units on the market.
A ductless mini split air conditioner doesn’t require ductwork, which means it can be installed in an existing home without significant renovations. This also means that if you decide to move or sell your house, it can easily be removed when you do so. It doesn’t require significant changes to your home’s structure like traditional central heating and cooling does.
Because there aren’t long runs of the ductwork going through crawlspaces and attics (like other unit options), these systems are much quieter than most other HVAC systems. Some units are almost silent, so you’ll hardly even know they’re running!
A Variable Speed Air Handler Will Help Keep Your System Running at High Efficiency
In conjunction with the variable speed condenser, variable speed air handlers can significantly reduce energy use. Variable-speed units can be more efficient and cost-effective than constant-speed units because they can run at their most efficient operating point, which reduces energy consumption by as much as 50%.
In addition to being more efficient than constant-speed models for single-zone systems, variable-speed models are also ideal in multi-zone systems because of how well they perform when operating with other units. In these cases, each zone must maintain its independent temperature control—and this is where variable speed models excel: their ability to adjust airflow, based on demand in each area, allows them to keep temperatures stable within individual zones despite fluctuations across other zones (or between indoor and outdoor environments).
Packaged HVAC Systems Are Better for Large Areas
If you have an overly large home or business, it’s best to use a packaged HVAC system. This system is more efficient than split systems used in smaller homes and offices. A packaged HVAC system uses a variable-speed blower assembly, which can run at lower speeds while maintaining desired temperatures. The variable speed compressor and indoor fan can run at lower speeds as well, saving money and energy every time they’re on.
Packaged HVAC systems also include an outdoor condenser unit with an insulated condensing coil (which saves even more energy). The outdoor unit also has an additional heat exchanger built into its casing, so one outdoor unit can provide heating and cooling for your entire house or building.
Knowing the different types of HVAC systems available is the best way to determine which will keep your energy bills low.
You’ll need to take a handful of steps to get started on the path to green living. First, you should get an energy audit from your utility company or the Department of Energy. This will give you baseline data about what bills are like in your area and what types of HVAC systems other homes in your neighborhood use.
Next, consider your energy usage habits and preferences. Do you like cold air blowing into every room at once? Or do you prefer warmer temperatures throughout the day but with no fan noise? By answering these questions (and others), we can tailor our recommendations around what matters most to YOU! Your space and comfort are essential when choosing which energy-efficient unit is suitable for you.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of HVAC systems available. The best and most efficient one for you will depend on your home’s size and location and what kind of system works best for your budget. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient option to keep your home comfortable year-round without breaking the bank on energy costs, then Honest Air can help.
