With the higher temperatures comes a question – how efficient and capable is your current A/C, and which cooling system would be best for your home?

Air conditioning systems continue to improve overall, and even the ones that were famous for using a lot of electricity have considerably improved their efficiency.

We gathered some valuable info to help you decide which cooling system is best for your home:

Traditional Air Conditioning

• If you already have ductwork, it may make sense to go with a traditional central air system. In most cases Conventional Central Air system can utilize existing ductwork for existing forced air heating system.
• If you don’t like the look of the wall mounted ductless head units, Traditional central air units could be a cost effective option to condition your entire home – they are virtually invisible in the living space of your home.
• Traditional ducted A/C systems offer excellent humidity control options with today’s variable speed fans that allow for proper dehumidification.

Ducted Heat Pumps

• The system cools and heats home interior
• Low cost of operation compared to oil or electric systems
• Keep in mind that there may be a need for electrical upgrades to install ducted heat pump, and the old duct work may affect the level of efficiency.

Ductless Air Conditioning

• If you’re looking for a modern and energy-efficient solution for cooling your home, ductless system may be your effective, efficient, and versatile solution.
• Ductless is a good solution for additions, sunrooms, garages, etc. – areas that are not served by an existing central air system and cannot easily be ducted in.
• Ductless systems are easier to zone for different cooling needs in different parts of your home – allowing you to save energy while maximizing your personal comfort. By turning the system down in areas that are not being occupied, you can save even more on your home energy bills.
• When properly sized, Ductless systems are very efficient and comparable to, or more efficient, than traditional systems. Advanced ductless systems have a Coefficient of Perfromance (COP) between 250 and 300 percent. (COP is the ratio of cooling or heating provided compared to the energy consumed.)
• Ductless systems may help reduce dust in the home, as there are no ducts that need cleaning so dust, mold and other allergens in the air are removed. An added benefit is that you don’t have to buy and change filters you just need to periodically clean the easily-accessible permeate filter in the head unit.
• With ductless system, there are no air leaks through ductwork.
• Ductless mini splits allow you to have total control in any room, section of the house, or your whole house. Plus, a ductless system can provide both heating and cooling for your home.
• Ductless mini split systems are easy to install
• Keep in mind that one wall unit will generally not serve a whole home.
• Ductless A/C systems also offer excellent humidity control options.
• If you don’t like the look of wall-mounted ductless head units, these systems can be installed with various other options that can make the system virtually disappear.

Inverter Technology (Variable-Speed Technology)

• Unlike regular forced-air heating and cooling system – inverter technology does not have frequent starts and stops of the equipment, during which significant amounts of energy are consumed every time the compressor turns off and on. Instead, this technology allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds, slowing down and speeding up as needed to maintain a constant, comfortable temperature and thus saving the energy.
• Inverter Technology can be used as the primary heating and cooling solution for your home or in addition to oil or propane. Ductless systems use this type technology.

Multi Split Air Conditioners, Inverted or Heat Pumps

• The multi-system allows a single outdoor unit to be connected to several indoor units.
• Solves the problem of limited installation space and does not clutter the exterior of your home.
• Solves your cooling and heating needs
• Offers zone control, which means that you can control the temperature of each room through a single temp control.
• Increased efficiency, low energy consumption and a comfortable environment.

It’s important to note that not all HVAC contractors are fully trained and knowledgeable in ductless and inverter technologies, and if not properly sized or placed, the system will not run as efficiently as expected. The same is true for traditional central air systems if improperly sized and installed.

Rely on the skilled technicians and installation teams at UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to help you determine which type of system to install based on your budget, environment, and home needs. We serve customers in 15 counties in South Central Pennsylvania, with offices located in the Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem, PA), Susquehanna Valley (Lancaster and Harrisburg, PA), and Berks County (Reading, PA).

Is your home ready to provide cool air now and warm, cozy air in the winter?

Make an appointment today with the leading HVAC company for all of your cooling and heating system needs in Bethlehem PA, Harrisburg PA, Lancaster PA, Reading PA.