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Summer in West and Southwest Michigan can bring some hot temperatures and high levels of humidity to the area. Your air conditioning system is an important part of staying cool and comfortable while indoors in the summer. Here at Service Professor, we can help you choose the right cooling system for your residence, taking into consideration the different options that are available.
Inverter Air Conditioning Units
Made with an inverter-driven compressor, an inverter air conditioning unit can adjust according to your preferred temperature and the current room conditions. Instead of functioning at a fixed speed like a traditional AC unit, this model has varying speeds that allow for better comfort control and efficiency. Higher speeds are used when there’s a big difference between your preferred temperature and the current temperature of your home.
Lower speeds are used to maintain a comfortable indoor environment once the desired temperature has been reached. Not only does this save you money on your monthly utility bills, but this type of cooling system also protects your equipment so that it doesn’t experience strain from overuse.
There are different types of inverter air conditioning units, including portable models, split units, and central systems. A split or multi-split system is common for residential properties and consists of a unit indoors and a compressor outside. They work well in homes that have varying temperature needs or houses that experience hot and cold spots.
A central AC system is common and provides exceptional whole-house air conditioning that provides cool air and humidity control. You don’t have the ability to set different temperatures for each room, however.
Portable AC units and window models are also considered inverter air conditioners. However, they only cool down one room at a time. They do offer flexibility by allowing you to move your unit from one room to another at your discretion.
Variable-Speed Compressors
An AC unit with a variable-speed compressor can change its operating speed based on your cooling demands. They’re like inverter models, but they operate at a wide range of speeds instead of a fixed level. This also impacts the internal mechanics of a unit. Variable-speed compressors can be integrated into an air conditioner.
Variable-speed compressors are very energy-efficient, especially when they’re operating at a lower speed. By consuming less energy, you can lower your monthly energy bills. You can also reduce repair needs thanks to better efficiency. Many homeowners notice a more consistent indoor temperature with this type of cooling technology. Variable-speed compressors are also very quiet. However, they may have a higher price point initially.
Your indoor air quality is very important for your health and overall well-being. Variable-speed compressors often run longer operating cycles, which allows for better air filtration and humidity control. This can reduce your exposure to particulate matter and other indoor contaminants.
Heat Pumps for Cooling
Heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another by way of a refrigerant cycle. Heat pumps are often used for heating a house, but many work well for air conditioning purposes as well. They extract heat from inside of your home and release it outdoors. This is accomplished using refrigerant to absorb heat. It’s then compressed and moves to the unit outside of your home, where the heat is then released. This process is continuous and extremely efficient. It uses electricity to function, reducing your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for burning fossil fuels.
There are different types of heat pumps you can use for cooling your home. This includes air-source heat pumps, which transfer heat through the air. There are also geothermal heat pumps, which transfer heat between your house and the ground. They’re very efficient but expensive to install.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps provide zoned cooling and don’t rely on a system of ductwork to function, making it an affordable option. You can even install a hybrid heat pump, which combines a heat pump with a traditional furnace for better comfort control during extreme summer heat.
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers for Comfort
The relative humidity in your house plays a very important role in your indoor comfort. Relative humidity should always be between 35% and 50%. It’s common for humidity to be high in the summertime, and this moisture can make its way into your home. High humidity can make your house feel warmer than it is. This may result in you turning down your thermostat a few degrees to compensate. However, this can be costly and lead to equipment strain. Instead, removing moisture by using a whole-house dehumidifier is ideal. Portable models only address a small amount of square footage at a time. A whole-house model installs onto your HVAC system and controls indoor humidity throughout your residence.
The Use of a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a wise investment that can help you maintain a comfortable and cool home throughout the summer months. Smart thermostats pair with your smartphone or tablet, providing you with the ability to control your AC settings remotely. Many smart thermostats can connect to your whole-home humidity-controlling equipment and air filtration devices as well.
Thanks to adaptive learning, your smart thermostat can collect data regarding your cooling preferences. Schedules and adjustments can be made that will improve household comfort while helping to save you money on your energy consumption. Geofencing technology is another convenient feature. Your smart thermostat will sense your location and adjust your indoor temperature accordingly. You can run your cooling equipment less when you’re away for the day and have it adjusted in anticipation of your return.
Smart thermostats can also alert you when it’s time to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC unit. This maintenance is important for protecting the integrity of your equipment while ensuring optimal efficiency. Many of these thermostats will alert you if something is malfunctioning, allowing you to take prompt action to rectify the problem. Also, you can monitor your indoor air quality remotely, ensuring that your home is healthy as well as comfortable.
Working With a Professional
With so many options available for cooling your home, it can be overwhelming to decide what you want. Working with our knowledgeable cooling services team will ensure you make the best choice for your budget and comfort needs. Professional installation is also imperative. This ensures that you can rely on your cooling setup for years to come without having to invest in frequent, expensive repairs or premature equipment replacements.
Annual inspections and maintenance should take place once per year. This allows our team to spot minor issues early before they turn into a catastrophic shutdown of your air conditioning equipment in the middle of a heatwave.
Service Professor can help you determine if it’s time to install a new air conditioning system in your West or Southwest Michigan home. We can also provide ongoing routine maintenance and repairs to ensure system efficiency and reliability. Our technicians even install whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers for optimal relative humidity, along with smart thermostats.
Contact our team at Service Professor today for assistance in the West or Southwest Michigan area.
