Install an inverter technology heat pump.. runs like a dimmer switch for power needs —not at 100% always. Daikin is good the FIT model is great These outdoor units are side discharge units and are very quiet. to guess it could save 30%… you may have a single stage unit with non variable speed air handler.. this set up does not remove as much humidity as a variable speed blower.. you will want this and it is the spec on the FIT unit. There are good rebates right now..if you do the ultimate Daikin unit you also get 2k tax credit.
A friend of mine has removed both of his roof-top A/C's on his 30+' RV trailer and installed a mini-split so he can boon-dock with only his solar panel and battery storage for power.
Ive had this Sears Kenmore frig since 2002. Its been to 6 houses and a trip from Texas to Ruskin FL, Ruskin FL to Tampa and then back to Texas. Beer is always kept ice cold.
One of the best ways to sell engine oil by the quart, at a turnpike gas station, through slight of hand.
Have an energy survey done to see where your losses are. 1 piece of shitty duct work will kill your a/c efficiency.
So I guess the general consensus is 5 to 7 years to recover the cost. Guess I'll keep what I have till it dies
(Step 1) Take a trip to your attic at the hottest part of the day in Texas. I'm gonna take a wild guess that its 140 degrees. (Step 2) Look at the ac duck work and air handler channeled through the extreme heat of your attic going to all rooms trying to cool them. (Step 3) Escape the attic furnace and have a beer. Its okay to admit it's not the most efficient way to send cool air to a room in a home where outside temps are (feels like) 110 degrees.
I'm guessing closer to 150 up there. I can feel the temp in the house drop half a degree when the sun goes behind a cloud
If I were really trying to make a difference and spend money wisely, I'd start with a blower door test. All the A/C in the world isn't helpful if the ACH50 number is in the teens. Follow that up with remediations to bring the number down. Evaluate the A/C system completely and repair any deficiencies. Yes, running duct work through a 150 degree attic space isn't ideal and will cause efficiency losses but there is likely a lot of low hanging fruit you are overlooking before replacing the entire system.
Some incentives through NGOs have income limits at the highest rebate tier. The tax credits don't. You can get a $2000 tax credit for installing a high-efficiency heat pump. Just Google "Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit".
