It's a purchase you make perhaps once in ten to twenty years. You're concerned about efficiency and comfort, but how do you know which brand and model to choose. Understanding the standard ratings applied to Heat Pumps and air conditioners can help.
In general, the more efficient the unit, the more it will cost initially. However, more efficient equipment will actually save you money over time as it requires less fuel to heat and cool your home. Cooling efficiency for air conditioners is indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Effiency Rating): the higher the number, the greater the efficiency. In 1992, 10 SEER was the minimum rating for units installed in new homes. The Department of Energy has since set a new minimum standard of 13 SEER for heat pumps and air conditioners manufactured on or after January 23, 2006. 13 SEER equipment is approximately thirty-percent more efficient to operate than 10 SEER equipment. For even greater energy savings, consider 15 SEER, 18 SEER and higher SEER equipment.
Depending on its location, a noisy condensing unit may destroy the peace and quiet of your garden or may be a sound nuisance when you're indoors. The sound level of outdoor units is measured in bels, on a scale from 0 (barely perceptible) to 13 (the loudest). Most air conditioners operate at 8 to 9 bels. The quietest units operate at 6.8 bels. This may not sound like a wide range, until you learn that a 9-bel unit is 10 times louder than an 8-bel unit. In other words, one 9-bel unit makes as much noise as 10 8-bel units put together. Listen to a York system and you'll be impressed.
Some heat pumps and air conditioners come with additional features that provide greater comfort. Two-speed units run on low-speed (using about 50% of the energy) 80% of the time. They use fewer on/off cycles and produce fewer drafts and much small temperature swings.
Note that when it comes to heat pump and air conditioning equipment, bigger is not always better. An over size unit will lower the temperature of the living space too quickly and will shut off before it has adequately dehumidified the air. Excessive humidity facilitates the growth of mold and mildew. |
