Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems and Which Will Work Best with Your Home

Is energy efficiency and environmental friendliness a top priority for you as a homeowner? One of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption is to install an HVAC system designed to operate as efficiently as possible.

Therefore, if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system in St. Louis, MO, here’s a look at some examples of HVAC units that will help you achieve energy efficiency.

Geothermal heat pump

If energy efficiency is your goal, you can do no better than geothermal (ground source) heat pumps. These units have energy efficiency ratings (EER) of up to 45, when a rating of 12 or more is considered “efficient.” So, while the initial investment in the system might be expensive, you will save a boatload of money on energy costs over the long term, much more so than you would with any other system.

Geothermal systems operate by taking heat from underground, where temperatures remain around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The equipment requires very little in terms of maintenance, and will provide you with reliable heating results for years to come.

Standard split system heat pump

Split system heat pumps that both heat and cool the home are becoming quite popular around the United States, gaining ground on forced air central systems that are essentially the standard in this country. These split systems allow you to save 30 to 40 percent on heating costs even over high-efficiency furnaces.

You can customize these systems for greater efficiency by adding inverter compressors in variable capacity units. These systems are especially beneficial in areas that see milder winters, but they’ll go to work for you anywhere you live and give you reliable, high-quality and efficient results.

Ductless mini-split heat pump

There are also ductless mini-split system heat pump options that work on a smaller scale that you may find to be beneficial for your home. These mini-splits will usually have EERs of around 20, and will feature an outdoor unit connected to up to eight indoor units.

Each of the indoor units you install will be tasked with heating and cooling a specific room, and each of those units will have its own thermostat. This provides you with greater overall energy savings, because you only have to heat or cool the rooms you’re using at any given time. It also provides you with greater versatility in your heating and cooling—you might prefer some rooms to be warmer or colder than others, and having those individual thermostats and temperature settings allows for greater customization.

Because mini-splits do not use ductwork, you won’t have to worry about air leaking through the seams of the ductwork. Plus, because the system moves heat instead of creating it, you will have much lower costs than you’d see with a forced air furnace.

To learn more your options for HVAC units that will help achieve energy efficiency in your home, we encourage you to contact the HVAC specialists in St. Louis, MO at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.