Is Your Air Conditioner Efficient?
Is your AC working efficiently? Here are some ways to check!
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The most significant energy hog in your home is likely your air conditioner. As you will realize, running an air conditioner all day and night increases your energy bill. However, you can save money on energy bills by making your air conditioner more efficient. Soon cooling your home and maintaining better indoor air quality will take less time. How do you find out if your unit is efficient?
It Breaks Down Often
An air conditioner that breaks down often is not very efficient. Ignoring the problems is even worse. The issues escalate, affecting efficiency, comfort levels, and the unit’s lifespan. Schedule air conditioning repair services in Littleton, CO, or your locality immediately after you detect issues.
After successful repairs but issues still keep on recurring, consider a replacement. Opt for a more energy-efficient unit with better features such as humidity control.
It Is Old
The older your air conditioner, the less efficient it becomes. New units on the market use less energy to provide better cooling. Replacing an old unit is a significant investment, but one that quickly pays for itself in lower energy bills.
It Emits Strange Sounds
Weird noises coming from your air conditioner are a cause for alarm. Most of the time, the sounds indicate an issue with one of the components. The problem could be a loose part or something more serious. Regardless, the issue needs prompt attention to avoid further damage. These noises indicate that the AC has to work harder to function, which means it is less efficient.
It No Longer Offers Adequate Cooling
If you experience uneven cooling, the culprit could be the air conditioner. Older units sometimes stop blowing cold air as they should. The problem might be with the refrigerant, coils, or compressor.
Call in a professional to check the unit and make the necessary repairs. Other times, the AC is too small for the cooling space. You need a replacement that is the right size for your home.
You Experience High Energy Bills
The most significant indicator that your air conditioner is not efficient is an unusually high energy bill. If you have not changed your cooling habits and your bill goes up, an inefficient air conditioner is likely the cause.
Research energy-efficient units, and ask your HVAC contractor about your options for replacement. Also, carry out an energy audit to check for other areas of inefficiency in your home.
How Do You Resolve the Issue?
Other than replacing the unit, other measures restore efficiency and improve performance. Check and clean the coils, replace the filter, clear debris around the system, and ensure proper refrigerant levels.
Check the EER Rating
Check the efficiency of your air conditioner by examining the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Newly manufactured units should have an EER of at least 12. If your AC has a lower rating, it is time for a replacement. Calculate the EER by dividing the cooling output, British Thermal Units, per hour (BTUH) by the power input in watts.
Deal With External Forces
Note that external forces can also affect the unit’s efficiency. Drafts, poor insulation, and extreme temperatures are some of the factors that lead to inefficiency. Work on these issues to realize an improvement in efficiency. Seal all cracks and openings, upgrade the insulation, and plant trees or shrubs around the unit to provide shade.
Change Your Cooling Habits
You can also reduce energy consumption and save money by changing your cooling habits. Use a ceiling fan to circulate air, and set the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when home and 85 degrees when away.
Consider a programmable thermostat to automate the temperature changes. Also, close doors and vents in unused rooms and turn off the unit when leaving home for an extended period.
Inefficiencies Waste Energy
An inefficient air conditioner wastes energy, which translates to higher utility bills. The unit also has to work harder, which causes more wear and tear and eventually leads to breakdowns. To avoid these issues, take measures to ensure that your unit is efficient. Regular maintenance and proper installation are critical for efficiency.
