Keeping your San Antonio home cool during the hot summer months can be a real challenge. Like many homeowners, you might worry that keeping your cool will simply cost too much. Thankfully, new options in energy-efficient cooling can help you stay comfortable all summer without breaking the bank.
Understanding Your Energy-Efficient Cooling Options
When it comes to energy-efficient heating and cooling options, you have several types of systems from which to choose. Before you start shopping for a new system, you’ll need to understand that you can choose from:
• Ductless systems, which rely on outdoor HVAC units connected to indoor air handlers via a small refrigerant line.
• Central air systems, which use HVAC units paired with ductwork to move treated air throughout a home.
An HVAC specialist can help you decide which type of system is best suited to your needs. Many homeowners now prefer ductless systems because they don’t require any structural modifications and offer excellent energy savings.
Of course, you’ll also need to choose your cooling unit carefully. You may opt for a heat pump, which uses the earth’s natural heat to keep your space cool during the summer and warm during the winter. You might also opt for an air conditioner that boasts a high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. The most efficient air conditioning systems that are qualified by ENERGY STAR will have a SEER rating of 14 or higher.
Choosing the Best System for Your Space
Choosing the best cooling system for your space means understanding your comfort needs and evaluating your home. Take time to think about how often you use your cooling system and how well your current system meets your needs. Share this information with your contractor so that you can receive the advice needed to make a great purchasing choice.
It’s important to check the energy-efficiency ratings of new systems too. You can find information about efficiency ratings on the ENERGY STAR website. You can also use an energy savings calculator to determine how much you stand to save by switching to a new HVAC system.
Keeping Cool Air Inside Your Home
Your new cooling system will represent a big investment, so it’s important to take extra steps to ensure that it performs as well as it can. Take time to evaluate how your home uses energy before installing a new system. Seal any leaks around doors, windows or ductwork and make sure that your home is well insulated. To maximize your savings, choose a smart thermostat that will allow you to control a wide variety of climate-related settings.
Choosing a new cooling system can be tough. Call today or browse our website to learn how the friendly, highly trained HVAC specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you.