New Efficient Clothes Dryers

Q —l though it’s noisy, my 12-year-old central air conditioner still
runs okay. It is probably going to require some repairs soon and with possible
electricity shortages, global warming, etc., I am considering replacing it. What
is the best new model?-Char Z

A —Your reasons for
considering replacing your old central air conditioner are all legitimate. With
the higher efficiencies, the best new ones can cut electricity usage in half.

For example, if your existing central air conditioner
is 12 years old, it probably has a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of
about 8. The newest, most efficient two-stage (low- and high-cooling outputs)
models have SEERs from 16 to 18, more than double your current one. They also
will vastly improve your indoor comfort and humidity control.

Central air conditioners that use new earth-friendly
R410A refrigerant, instead of ozone-damaging R-22 freon, are becoming very popular.
Within 10 years, R-22 freon-type air conditioners will be phased out of production
by law. The R-22 freon will still be available for repairs.

There really is no "one best" central air
conditioner for every home. The best one for your home depends on your climate,
your specific house design and construction, your budget, electric rates, etc.

For example, I recently installed a new R410A central
unit in my own home, but I did not select the top-of-the-line two-stage model.
I have made my house so efficient that the electricity savings from stepping
up to the two-stage model would have taken 30 years to pay back. For another
family, it may pay back in just a few years.

If you are looking for the most efficient model with
the best comfort, you cannot beat a two-stage model for efficiency and comfort.
Plan on spending about 25 percent to 30 percent more for a two-stage outdoor
unit as compared to a high-efficiency single-stage unit.

Since the cooling needs of your house change throughout
the day and over the cooling season, cooling output varies too. The cooling
capacity of a two-stage unit is typically sized for your home so that 80 percent
of its running time is in the super-efficient low-output stage. Only on very
hot afternoons does it automatically switch to maximum output. There are three
basic designs of two-stage models: a single reversing compressor; two smaller
separate compressors in one outdoor unit; or a single two-speed compressor.
The first two designs provide 50 percent of maximum cooling capacity on the
low-output first stage. A single two-speed compressor provides 60 percent on
the first stage and 40 percent more at full capacity.

Any of the two-level output models offer many advantages
over single-speed models. Since they mostly run at the low-output stage, they
do not switch on and off as often. This keeps the air circulating, holds room
temperatures more constant, improves air-cleaner effectiveness, reduces noisy
start-ups, and dehumidifies better.

Although your old, indoor blower can be used with
a two-level model, it is best to install a new one with a variable-speed blower.
These special blowers use only 25 percent as much electricity as your old one
and have "smart" motors with a soft-start feature to reduce start-up
noise and drafts. This also allows a thermidistat to be used to precisely control
humidity. If you choose a single-level model for its lower initial cost, select
one with a scroll compressor (preferably R410A instead of freon). Scroll compressors
use a simple, reliable design and are quiet. Installing a new indoor variable-speed
blower along with it will increase the SEER by about one point.