Village Plumbing in Houston, TX is a dealer of Lennox HVAC systems. Lennox is known for precise, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions, two-stage units, and a range of other technologies. Among its innovations are solar air conditioners. Going solar is the ultimate in going green. Here, we’ll look at how a Lennox solar air conditioner works and what the pros and cons of owning one are.
What Is a Lennox Solar AC?
A solar AC looks like a standard air conditioner unit. The main difference is that it can be connected to solar modules. These convert sunlight into energy for running your HVAC system. Modules can be added or removed depending on your energy needs and budget.
Pros of a Lennox Solar Air Conditioner
Direct integration of solar cells with an AC is certainly a bonus. The flexibility of adding or removing solar capacity from the unit is as well. Other advantages of a solar AC include:
- Savings on Utility Bills: A solar air conditioner will still use some utility electricity, but it can cut your monthly bill by up to half. This means you’ll see reduced utility costs over time.
- Energy Efficiency: Solar units in the Dave Lennox Signature Collection have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 18 to 20 or higher (some Lennox solar units go up to 26 SEER). The higher the SEER number, the less energy a system uses to produce cold air.
- Environmental Benefits: Electricity production and usage contribute to the release of carbon dioxide into the air. Solar reduces your carbon footprint and also doesn’t contribute to climate change.
- Reduced Maintenance: Solar air conditioning units may use fewer materials and have fewer moving parts, thereby lowering maintenance requirements. The system is therefore more convenient to own.
- Start Small and Grow: A solar-ready AC can be powered by as few as four to six modules, to up to 16. It lets you determine capacity based on your budget. Otherwise, you’d need anywhere from 11 to 17 panels to heat or cool a 2,000-square-foot home.1
Cons of a Lennox Solar Air Conditioner
A solar air conditioner is just as effective as any other AC. However, there are a few downsides that may impact your decision to invest in one. The cons of a solar AC in Houston, TX include:
- Sunny Weather Is Required: Since the unit draws power from the sun, AC performance may suffer if it’s a cloudy, rainy day. You may want to connect it to your electrical system as a backup or invest in a hybrid unit.
- Lower Nighttime Efficiency: Sunlight is an abundant, sustainable energy source. But at night, a solar AC may not run as efficiently despite having batteries that store energy for use during non-sunny times.
- Susceptibility to Environmental Damage: Exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion and rust, which can increase electrical resistance and cause cells to overheat. High winds, hail, snow, and other weather factors can damage your AC’s solar panels, so it may eventually not work as well.
- Deterioration of Solar Panels: With Lennox, you can expect high-quality materials. Top-rated solar panels tend to last, but many types can deteriorate over time due to sun exposure, or even become contaminated with dirt and particles.
- Higher Installation Cost: Solar AC units are more expensive to install. And, you also pay for quality. But there are additional expenses to consider, such as inverters (each Lennox solar module includes its own micro inverter), while your AC may also need separate batteries, wiring, and other components.
Contact Village Plumbing and Air About a Lennox Solar Air Conditioner in Houston, TX
Village Plumbing offers the highest quality HVAC replacement solutions. Homeowners around Houston have benefited from Lennox technologies thanks to our experienced technicians. We have access to the latest products and accessories as well. If you’re interested in or want to learn more about Lennox solar air conditioners, request service on the web or call 713-526-1491 today.