Efficiency is a tricky term but, most often it refers to how much energy is used by an electrical appliance.
The more energy-efficient the item is the less money it costs to run it and the less impact it has on the world around it. So, which home cooling unit is the most energy-efficient?
Let’s go over our top picks for the most efficient home cooling unit.
1. Systems That Run on Natural Fuel Sources
It’s an easy thing to see that the most efficient version of anything would be the one that ran on the most efficient fuel source. So, if we are talking about the most efficient cooling systems it would be one ran off a solar power grid installed on your home.
No matter which HVAC unit you have, if it’s run off the solar power grid it’s much more efficient than a unit run totally off the electrical grid.
Evaporative and refrigerative cooling systems can both be run off solar power but they are major energy suckers. So, while you are going to cut down their impact tremendously you will end up using some standard power in addition to your solar grid if you’re running anything else simultaneously with your AC system.
Another fantastic natural fuel option is a geothermal pump system. These systems take advantage of the extremely consistent temperature of the ground to give them a constant and steady supply of energy to draw from. They only need enough energy to drive the pump which is far less than a standard HVAC unit.
2. Inverter AC Systems
These refrigerative systems operate using a variable motor. It controls the compressor and allows for much lower power consumption than a standard unit.
Inverter systems are able to save roughly 50% more power than their equivalent standard AC systems. However, while you will have significant energy savings, these units are usually much more expensive.
3. Enhancements You Can Make to Get the Most Out of Your Current AC Unit
By making some adjustments to your lifestyle and the interior design of your home you can increase the efficiency of your AC.
Ensure your home has a good amount of ventilation and take advantage of fans whenever possible. Since fans cool people and not spaces make sure you turn them off when no one is in the room. By using fans you can keep the AC set to a higher temperature and still remain comfortable.
Consider installing new windows that are rated for energy efficiency, like windows with double glazing. They keep out more sunlight so your home doesn’t heat up as much, to begin with. You can also use a special window film to achieve the same effect and keep your AC from cycling as often.
You can also get a lot of benefit from setting up your home for temperature success. Instead of fighting mother nature embrace the routine. Make sure that the windows in the east have substantial shading and window treatments that you close before you go to bed.
As the sun rises these absorb most of the heat, then as the sun progresses across the sky as it does each day, you can open these shades and continue blocking the sun throughout the rest of the house. By using ventilation and sun-blocking window treatments you’ll be able to conserve the cool air already in your home.
Find Ways to Stay Cool for Less With These Efficient Home Cooling Units and Tips
We hope this gave you some insight into the kinds of home cooling units that are out there and what makes them more or less efficient.
Your best move is to try some natural fuel sources, get a more efficient unit, and take advantage of the things you have control over in your home to keep your home cooler throughout the day.
Remember, the less the AC cycles on and off the less power you are using. If you’re used to keeping the thermostat try and go up a degree each day until you reach a point where it’s no longer comfortable. You may learn that you are able to deal with the house being at 78 or 79 and don’t need to keep the temperature so low.
Looking for some ideas on how to make your unit more efficient? We would be happy to help! Contact us today for some help and for us to look at your system.
