Heating and cooling systems are important to preserve the optimal thermal conditions in our home. But we have to be mindful of our power consumption and energy bills. In this overview, we will go over some of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems and also discover the attributes of preferred designs.
Most Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
These systems will give you the ability to adjust the temperature as well as the climate in your indoor space. They are available in different types such as
- Split Systems
- Heat Pumps
- Ductless Mini Splits
- Packaged Systems
When looking for an HVAC system, some of the things you need to look out for are the ratings that show how power efficient it is, a higher number indicates higher efficiency. These ratings are SEER, EER, HSPF, and AFUE.
We have created a list of some of the best HVAC systems.
1. Amana
Their top models come with the ComfortNet™ Control system, a smart thermostat tech that lets you control the system remotely and receive diagnostics plus alerts.
Amana manufactures HVAC systems with high SEER ratings, variable-speed compressors and energy-saving systems. These help in providing optimal temperatures while lowering energy bills.
We have chosen these 3 models: ASXC7, ASXV9 and AVXC20, based on efficiency and popularity. The table below shows the specifications and features of each model:
| Model | ASXC7 (2 To 5 Tons) | ASXV9 (2 To 5 Tons) | AVXC20 (2 To 5 Tons) |
| SEER2 | Upto 17.2 | Upto 22.5 | Upto 24.5 |
| Compressor Type | Two-Stage Copeland Ultra-Tech scroll compressor | Variable-speed swing and scroll compressors | Variable-speed swing and scroll compressors |
| Valve Connection Type | Sweat | Front Seated and Ball Valve | Front Seated and Ball Valve |
| Motor Type | Quiet two-speed ECM outdoor fan motor | Variable-speed DC outdoor fan motor | Variable Speed ECM Condenser Fan Motor |
| Warranty | Lifetime unit replacement, 10-year parts | Lifetime unit replacement, 10-year parts | Lifetime unit replacement, 10-year parts |
They also include a FIND A DEALER feature on their website to help you find dealers near you. However, according to research their estimated price ranges from $3,854 to $6,345.
2. Carrier
Their new technologies target the decrease of energy consumption combined with environmental sustainability.
Carrier is best known for its air conditioning systems in addition to energy solutions and security. We have chosen the Infinity 19, 20, and 26 series as they are the most efficient ones on paper, plus they also come equipped with a remote feature called the Infinity System Control.
You can pair these models with Infinity 98 or 96 gas furnaces. These furnaces have very high efficiency and can work together with Greenspeed Intelligence for a total heating and cooling solution for your home.
Features and specifications:
| Model | Infinity 19VS Central Air Conditioner | Infinity 20 Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence | Infinity 26 Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence |
| SEER2 | Upto 19 | Upto 20.5 | Upto 24 |
| EER2 | Upto 13 | Upto 15.5 | Upto 16 |
| Compressor Type | Five-stage | Variable-speed | Variable-speed |
| Sound Level (dB) | 56 | 58 | 51 |
| Warranty | 10-year limited warranty on parts only if registered on time | 10-year limited warranty on parts only if registered on time | 10-year limited warranty on parts and unit replacement |
They also have a FIND a CARRIER EXPERT feature on their website that can help you find dealers near you.
3. Daikin
It offers HVAC systems compatible with different types of houses and climates. Their in-house technology the Daikin One+ smart thermostat allows users to optimize performance, get system alerts and remote control. We have chosen the DX7TC, DX9VC and DX20VC series models as they were the most feature-packed and efficient on paper.
Features and Specifications of some Daikin models are:
| Model | DX7TC | DX9VC (2 to 5 Tons) | DX20VC (2 to 5 Tons) |
| SEER2 | Upto 17.2 | Upto 22.5 | Upto 24.5 |
| Compressor Type | Two-Stage Copeland Ultra-Tech scroll compressor | Variable-speed swing and scroll compressors | Variable-speed swing and scroll compressors |
| Valve Connection Type | Sweat | Front Seated and Ball Valve | Front Seated and Ball Valve |
| Motor Type | Quiet ECM outdoor fan motor | Quiet DC outdoor fan motor | High-efficiency ECM condenser fan motor |
| Warranty | 12-year on unit and parts replacement | 12-year on unit and parts replacement | 12-year on unit and parts replacement |
You can visit their website and use their Find A Contractor feature to help you find dealers near you.
4. Goodman
Another American manufacturer of energy-efficient HVAC systems, Goodman, has been present for more than 40 years earned significantly in the industry. The models that we have chosen are the GSXC7, GSXV9 and GVXC20 series as they had the best efficiency ratings in the list.
They have capacities ranging from 2 to 5 tons are also come with ComfortBridge technology which allows remote access to users through an app or a web portal.
Features and Specifications are:
| Model | GSXC7 | GSXV9 | GVXC20 |
| SEER2 | Upto 17.2 | Upto 22.5 | Upto 24.5 |
| Compressor Type | Two-Stage Copeland Ultra-Tech scroll compressor | Variable-speed swing and scroll compressors | Variable-speed swing and scroll compressors |
| Valve Connection Type | Sweat | Front Seated and Ball Valve | Front Seated and Ball Valve |
| Motor Type | Quiet two-speed ECM outdoor fan motor | Variable-speed DC outdoor fan motor | Variable-speed DC outdoor fan motor |
| Warranty | Lifetime on compressor and 10-year on unit and parts replacement | Lifetime on compressor and 10-year on unit and parts replacement | Lifetime on compressor and 10-year on unit and parts replacement |
You can use the Find a Dealer feature on their website to locate dealers near you. to find dealers near you.
Also See: All About Dual Fuel HVAC System: Working and Benefits
5. Trane
It is a manufacturer of industrial and commercial HVAC systems, which also provide energy and sustainability services. Trane systems are also compatible with Trane Link thermostat which enables users to control the climate remotely via a smartphone or a computer. We have chosen to include the XL17i, XV18, and XV20 series based on the efficiency ratings on paper.
Features and specifications:
| Model | XL17i | XV18 | XV20i |
| SEER2 | Up to 17.2 | Up to 18 | Up to 21.5 |
| Compressor Type | Durable Climatuff Compressor | Variable-speed Climatuff compressor with sound insulator | Variable-speed Climatuff compressor with sound insulator |
| Noise Level | 72-74 DbA | 55-75 DbA | 55-75 DbA |
| Motor Type | Two-speed fan motor | Integrated variable speed fan motor | Integrated variable speed fan motor |
| Warranty | 5-10 years on parts. Extendable. | 5-10 years on parts. Extendable. | 5-10 years on parts. Extendable. |
To get a complete setup you can also pair the variable speed models with one of these components: Hyperion TAM9 Air Handler, XC 80 Gas Furnace, XC 95M Furnace, or S9V2.
You can visit their website and use their Find a Local Pro feature to help you find dealers near you.
6. Mitsubishi
The company offers energy-efficient commercial and residence HVAC systems such as wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, floor in-ceiling powered as well as ducted solutions with an intelli-AIR™ technology. Furthermore, these can be paired with outdoor units e.g. Single and Multi-Zone Heat Pumps, and can be operated by a thermostat e.g. TOUCH MA CONTROLLER or an app-based controller such as kumo cloud®.
Features and Specifications of a few Mitsubishi models are:
| Model | Wall Mounted Unit MSZ-FS | Ceiling Cassette Unit PLA | Floor Mounted Unit MFZ-KJ | intelli-AIR™ Ducted Solution SEZ |
| SEER2 | Up to 33.1 | Up to 27.0 | Up to 28.2 | Up to 22.0 |
| HSPF (Heating seasonal performance factor) | Up to 13.5 | Up to 12.8 | Up to 13.0 | Up to 31.1 |
| Noise Level | 20 dB(A) | 27 dB(A) | 21 dB(A) | 23 dB(A) |
| Capacity | 6,000 to 18,000 BTU/H | 12,000 to 42,000 BTU/H | 9,000 to 18,000 BTU/H | 9,000 to 15,000 BTU/H |
| Warranty | 5-12 years depending on the installer. | 5-12 years depending on the installer. | 5-12 years depending on the installer. | 1-12 years depending on the installer. |
You can submit a price quotation by visiting their official website.
7. Fujitsu
It provides indoor and outdoor units that can cater to any space and solve heating and cooling challenges. LZBS1 series model from their brand is among the best household HVAC systems which is made to meet high efficiencies and performance. Fujitsu also has the highest SEER2 rating in the market.
A. 15LZBS1 AIRSTAGE SINGLE-ROOM MINI-SPLIT Wall Mounted SYSTEM
- SEER2 rating – 33.1
- Cooling capacity – 14,500 BTU/h
- Heating capacity – 18,000 BTU/h
- The heating is strong and the operation is silent
- Comes with inverter technology
- Come with a 5-year warranty on the parts and 7-year warranty on the compressor
You can submit a price quotation or find a dealer near you by visiting their official website.
8. Lennox
It offers a range of HVAC systems, the most prominent model being the SL28XCV series. On paper, Lennox has a high SEER rating and comes with a variable-speed compressor. This system is the most favorable when weather is unstable and offers optimal comfort as well as saves energy.
These are the details and the specifications of this model
A. Lennox DLSC SL28XCV
- SEER rating – 28
- SEER2 rating – 25.8
- Variable stage compressor
- The air conditioner has variable capacity from 2 to 5 ton
- The sound levels are only 56 dBA or lower
- The compressor and covered components have a 10-year limited warranty
You can submit a price quotation or find a dealer near you by visiting their official website.
Also See: Solar Underfloor Heating Guide: Everything You Need to Know
9. American Standard
It offers products that are specially designed to be able to cool or heat any size area promptly, without wasting electricity and keeping you convenient in the process. Their AccuComfort™ Platinum 20 Heat Pump is a multi-stage unit which is one of the most efficient heating and cooling units from the manufacturer.
Here are the specifications and features of the American Standard model:
A. AccuComfort™ Platinum 20 Heat Pump
- SEER2 rating – 20.5
- HSPF2 rating – 8.7
- Up to 50% savings on energy costs
- Combine it with a gas furnace for a hybrid system advantage
- Option for American Standard Link technology to enable Bluetooth connectivity among system parts
- Operates at a sound level of 54-76 dBA
- Comes with 5 to 10 years of warranty with an option to extend
You can visit their official website to search for dealers near you or call at 1-877-717-4214.
10. Bryant
It is a well-known brand of heating and cooling systems that innovates in all areas to improve the experience of its customers. One of the most efficient models of Bryant is the Evolution 284ANV series. This heat pump is configured to ensure your maximum comfort, efficiency and performance in any environment, regardless of the season. Furthermore, it can be paired with their Evolution™ air purifier, filtering out 99% of airborne bacteria and viruses.
Here are the specifications and features of this model
A. EVOLUTION™ EXTREME T24 V-S GENERATION HEAT PUMP – 284ANV Series
- SEER2 rating – 23
- HSPF2 rating – 10.25
- EER2 rating – 14
- Can be combined with gas furnace and heat pump systems for optimal winter heating efficiency
- Comes with a variable-speed scroll compressor type
- Operates at 51 dB in the lowest capacity cooling mode
- 10-year replacement and parts limited warranty if timely registered
Unfortunately, the Bryant HVAC price list is not available at this moment. You may check their website as you can find your nearby dealer.
Energy Efficient HVAC Design
HVAC systems’ energy efficiency is achieved through a systematic approach that targets specific goals of comfortability, ventilation, and power savings.
Here are the main things to consider for HVAC installation
- Limiting heat from devices and equipment as well as HVAC systems, improving the building envelope, using high-performance windows, and applying heat mass which is a cost-effective method in decreasing heat load.
- Choosing and scaling energy-efficient HVAC equipment that is adequately sized to satisfy the required loads and runs at partial loads efficiently.
- Utilizing dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) that will separate the ventilation load and the comfort cooling load. Also, the system will deliver the required amount of outside air to each zone through separate pipes.
- Using heat recovery that transfers heat from the stream of exhaust air to the stream of supply air, or between various zones.
- Applying performance-based standards and energy modeling to assess the energy performance of HVAC systems and to enhance the efficiency by optimization of the design parameters.
Also Read: What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Summer for Good Night Sleep?
HVAC Energy Consumption Reduction
Cutting HVAC energy usage is a way of ensuring that less energy is spent by heating, ventilation, and cooling systems that are found in buildings.
Some of these tactics that can decrease energy consumption in HVAC systems are
1. Use smart thermostats and controls: Nowadays, applications can be installed on your phone that can independently act to change temperatures at different times of the day, thereby cutting costs and energy use. For instance, you can turn down the heat when you are away for the day.
2. Schedule regular maintenance checks: It ensures that your system will work well and does not fail on you in an unexpected situation or need expensive repairs. You should arrange a date on which the system will be inspected at the beginning and end of each season.
3. Replace air filters frequently: The HVAC system ends up exerting more energy with blocked filters which in turn results in the consumption of more electricity leading to higher utility bills. Performing a filter replacement assures sufficient air circulation, so the equipment runs impeccably with minimal pollution.
4. Improve your home’s insulation: Having your home thermally insulated and having adequate ductwork will help save your HVAC from overworking because of the air lost to leakage. This energy efficiency increase effectively means that you save a substantial amount of operation costs as the system will require to do a lesser amount of work to maintain the desired level of temperature.
5. Clear plants and gutters around your unit: Plants can be placed in the way of the airflow, and debris can remain in the gutters where they draw the moisture, which affects the performance of the system. Ensure your housing is always clean and devoid of litter and moisture to protect it from damage and inadequate performance.
6. Position your outdoor unit in a shaded area: The evaporator coil of the unit can get too hot by direct contact with the harsh sun causing it to consume more energy. The unit needs to be situated in a shaded area next to your living place so as to keep the operating temperature of the unit steady and avoid excessive energy consumption.
Overall, energy-efficient HVAC systems not only save resources but are also light on your pocket. Remember to read all the efficiency ratings and then compare them before you make the purchase. Talk to your HVAC contractor in case you have any doubts and need additional clarification.
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