New Air Conditioners Reduce Energy Costs
QUESTION: I have to replace my old central air conditioner before summer. I want one that is super-high efficiency, reliable and quiet. What new types of central air conditioners are available?
ANSWER: There have been many significant improvements in the design of central air conditioners. Installing a new super-high-efficiency model can cut your air-conditioning cost by half. It can improve your family’s comfort with much better control over air circulation. It can also reduce the noise level inside and outside your home.
Many of the newest central air conditioners use a super-quiet and super-efficient scroll compressor. Unlike conventional compressors with many moving parts--pistons, valves, seals, etc.--a scroll compressor has only four moving parts. Seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) are above 12 compared to as low as 6 or 7 for an old one.
The outdoor compressor/condenser unit on one new scroll air conditioner uses a tough plastic triangular cabinet. It looks attractive and contemporary. Since it’s not made of standard painted sheet metal pieces, it will neither rust nor rattle.
Without the reciprocating pistons and valves used in a standard compressor, a scroll compressor operates much quieter and is very reliable. As it gets older and the scroll parts wear into each other, a scroll compressor actually operates more efficiently and smoother.
Other new super-efficient designs (SEER above 15) use variable-speed compressor, blower and fan motors. The internal electronic controls continuously match the cooling output to the cooling needs of your house. Since these air conditioners run longer at the slower speeds, temperature variations and blower noise are not as noticeable between on-off cycles.
On mild days it runs slower and on very hot days it runs faster. Not only is electricity saved by varying the cooling output, but the humidity level inside your home is controlled better. This is particularly important if your suffer from allergies. The variable-speed blower and fan motors are also extra efficient.
There are other designs that use a combination of two-speed compressor, blower and fan motors. These are not quite as efficient as totally variable designs, but they are less expensive. You should have your air-conditioning contractor do a pay-back analysis on several models for you.
You can write to me for Utility Bills Update No. 409 listing addresses and telephone numbers of manufacturers of super-high-efficiency scroll and variable-speed air conditioners, and the model numbers, efficiency ratings and types of compressor used. Please include $1.50 and a self-addressed business-size envelope. Send your requests to James Dulley, c/o Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244.
