Florida’s hot and humid summers can be oppressive. Your home needs a robust and reliable cooling system to keep you comfortable and safe. It’s also crucial it is as efficient as possible to reduce your electric bills.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
All cooling systems sold in the U.S. must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2) rating. The higher the SEER2 rating, the less electricity the system will use. Higher-efficiency systems are also better at maintaining comfortable humidity levels. Choosing the right SEER2 for your home is often about finding the sweet spot between upfront costs and long-term savings.
ENERGY STAR and Energy Incentives
Independent labs test cooling systems to determine their SEER2 ratings. Systems that meet the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earn ENERGY STAR certification. That label gives you confidence in your purchase. The certification may also make you eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives to help offset your initial costs.
Central Air Conditioners
Central AC systems are the traditional way to cool Florida homes and are still the most popular. These systems provide consistent cooling throughout an entire house, no matter how big it is. Central AC is a good option for all home sizes but is often the most practical for larger ones. When upgrading, consider a high-efficiency AC with a variable-speed blower. Its ability to ramp up and down as needed will significantly reduce your energy costs. It’s also important to invest in duct maintenance to avoid air leakage that can undermine comfort and efficiency.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are increasingly popular throughout Florida. They’re dual-purpose and can both heat and cool a home. The cooling isn’t more or less efficient than an AC. Still, they’re worthwhile because the heating is often less expensive than a furnace or boiler. Air-source heat pumps are the most common. They transfer heat to and from outdoor air. There may be efficiency considerations in cold weather, but that isn’t an issue in Florida. Ground-source heat pumps transfer heat to and from the earth. They cost more initially but are more efficient, cost less to maintain, and have long lifespans.
Zone Control Systems
If you opt for either a central AC or a heat pump, consider adding zone control. HVAC zoning typically requires a variable-speed blower, a smart thermostat with zone support, and duct dampers. This system will let you personalize comfort in your home’s various zones. It can also lower your energy costs by about 30%. As an example, you can maintain cool, crisp temperatures in bedrooms overnight without excessively cooling the rest of the home.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits are an increasingly popular option throughout Florida. Both mini-split ACs and heat pumps are available, and they have several advantages over ducted systems. They’re inherently zoned, so you don’t have to buy any additional equipment to enjoy those benefits. Mini-splits also don’t need ducts since they cool or heat the space they are installed in directly. That means that you don’t have to worry about air leakage and dust building up in the ducts. Mini-splits are viable as standalone solutions for heating and cooling your home or can be used in spaces like remodeled basements or garages.
Whole-House Fans
A whole-house van can improve ventilation. It can delay how soon into the spring you need to begin running your AC. There are also advanced whole-house fans you can run throughout the summer. Heat recovery ventilators can precool the incoming fresh air. Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) can do that in addition to removing moisture from it.
Whole-House Dehumidifiers
While dehumidification is a byproduct of cooling, ACs aren’t dehumidifiers. It gets very humid during the summer in Florida, and ACs can struggle to keep up. They can usually maintain the relative humidity (RH) at 60% or lower. That’s what’s needed to avoid mold and dust mites. Most people prefer between 40% and 50%. For that, you may need an ERV or a dehumidifier that extracts moisture from the air.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Installations in Pinellas County and Beyond
At Poulin Cooling, we have been serving the residents of Clearwater, FL and the surrounding areas for years. We employ NATE-certified technicians and have a team with over 150 years of combined experience. We install all HVAC brands and technologies. Our team provides free in-person consultations and installation quotes at no charge and without obligation. We also stand behind our AC installations with satisfaction guarantees. Call today or contact us online to schedule an on-site consultation.
