Single or Multi-Stage System?
Single-stage heating and cooling is popular in cold winter climates and hot/humid areas because the systems are set to provide comfort for the coldest or warmest days of the year. That also means that a great majority of the time, these heating systems or A/C units are operating at full capacity when they don’t need to be. That’s where a multi-stage system comes in handy. A multi-stage system will save you energy, which in the end saves you money. According to Donald Prather, the Technical Service Manager of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), “you can get a single-stage system with variable fan speeds to create a variable air flow, however, the variation is limited. You may not experience much of a difference because the heating or cooling unit is still working at its maximum output.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your industry Pros will have the answers you need to make informed decisions.
Zoned HVAC systems can heat or cool individual areas of your home by controlling zone valves or zone dampers inside the vents or ductwork, which selectively block the flow of air. Zoned systems can save you energy and money by only heating or cooling certain areas when you need it. These systems are typically found in large properties. Have areas that aren’t used regularly, then this type of system is for you.
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be added as options to heating and cooling systems, and if you live in a very dry or humid climate these upgrades should definitely be on your list. About 50% relative humidity is considered optimal for humans.
With these systems you can automatically control the humidity levels in a home as you heat and cool. Note, this is not available through forced-water heating systems that use boilers. With humidity/dehumidification systems built into your furnace or air conditioning, you cannot control the humidity levels when the system is not on. If desired, you can add separate humidity/dehumidification systems that do this. Contact a
Florida Air Care Pro to answer any questions you may have.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, modern conventional heating systems can achieve efficiencies as high as 97%, converting nearly all the fuel to useful heat for your home.
There are several types of heating systems. Furnaces that provide heated air through ductwork, which is a popular type of heating system in the United States. Boilers that heat water for steam radiators. Forced-water systems with baseboard radiators, electric heat and heat pumps. For us Floridians, if and when we turn on the heat, it is typically electric heat or a heat pump. Smile Florida, here winter is an optional experience.
Cooling Systems
A/C systems are not one size fits all. There are several variables to consider when choosing the best system for your home or business, including the region where you live.
If you live in the south, where there is hot/humid weather 9 out of the 12 months, you’ll want a central or whole-house air conditioning system. Northern inhabitants may opt for portable window units that can be placed inside a window for a few months of the year. Although many of those northern cities get hot during the summer, the duration is short enough that a window unit will be the most cost-effective option.
A well maintain A/C unit will last 10 to 15 years, however, we can take our A/C for granted. Is it still as comfortable in your home or business as it used to be? Has your energy bill gone up? It is recommended to have a maintenance tune-up once a year, but those check-ups are often over-looked. By the time it comes up, it may be time to replace the system. As you are discussing the many variables involved in purchasing a new A/C system, such as, the type of system, the size of system and possibly any smart technology upgrades, you will hear the term SEER2 ratio or rating.
SEER2 rating stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the new main energy efficiency ratio developed in 2016 and introduced by the US Department of Energy in 2023. This rating system is similar to the older SEER rating system but with stricter standards.
- In Southeast States, the minimum SEER rating will be increased from 14 SEER to 15 SEER for A/C units with below 45,000 BTU cooling output. A/C units with 45,000 BTU or higher cooling capacity will have a minimum of 14.5 SEER rating in 2023.
- In Southwest States, the minimum SEER rating in 2023 will be increased from 14 SEER to 15 SEER. A/C units with 45,000 BTU or higher cooling capacity will have a minimum of 14.5 SEER rating in 2023.
- In the rest of the U.S., the minimum SEER rating in 2023 will be increased from 13 SEER to 14 SEER for all units.
