Having an energy-efficient AC unit is crucial for a variety of reasons: it can save you cash on your power bill, it will be environmentally friendly, it would last longer, and it will eventually make your house more comfortable. But how can you tell if your present HVAC system, or one you’re considering purchasing, is genuinely energy efficient? Here are several indicators that an HVAC system is energy efficient.

Examine the AFUE Rating

An AFUE rating is used to assess AC efficiency. It is the ratio of an AC’s yearly heat production to the total yearly fossil fuel energy consumed. For instance, an AFUE rating of 90% suggests that 90% of the energy you use directly heats your house, while the other 10% is spent during heating. For new systems, the minimum criterion is 78 percent. An AFUE ranking of 90% or more is regarded as very energy efficient and save you money in the long run.

Examine the SEER Rating

The SEER rating of your AC is used to determine its energy efficiency. It is the ratio of your air conditioner’s cooling capacity over a normal cold season divided with the volume of energy it consumes in Watt-Hours. Your AC’s SEER rating may be found in the instruction handbook or on the machine itself. SEER ratings for modern HVAC equipment generally range from 13 to 22. If you have an outdated AC, your SEER rating may be as low as 9. The greater the rating, the better the system.

Check for the ENERGY STAR label

The United States Environmental Protection Agency developed the ENERGY STAR certification to assist customers in identifying goods that save dollars and are environmentally friendly through greater energy efficiency. To satisfy ENERGY STAR requirements, your air-con must have a minimum SEER rating of 14.5; gas heating systems must have a minimum rating of 90%, and oil heating systems must have a minimum AFUE rating of 85%. HVAC equipment with the ENERGY STAR designation can save you up to 20 percent on your energy expenses.

Watch for Inefficiency Signs

Having an air conditioner that works efficiently season after season plays a vital role in your happiness, comfort, and health. Keep an eye out for the following common indications that your AC isn’t functioning efficiently as it’s supposed:

Rising Energy Costs

Your energy expenditures will normally rise during the harsher weather months, such as summer and winter, but it is unusual to see a significant increase with no other factors altering. These increases often indicate a problem with your AC that has to be handled. It might potentially be an outdated cooling system that is no longer working efficiently. In any case, rising energy expenses necessitate your attention as well as the assistance of an HVAC professional.

Temperatures Vary in Different Rooms of the House

Ideally, your ac unit should cool your house equally every time. Irregular temperatures in your house are an indication of an inefficient unit that may be nearing the ending of its useful life.

You Require Frequent HVAC Repairs

If you notice you are calling your local HVAC firm more frequently than normal, your system is probably not as efficient as it previously was. Whether you detect a peculiar sound or an irritating odor, these are concerns that require the attention of an HVAC expert. If you’re constantly repairing faults with your air conditioner, it might be time to upgrade.

You Have an Outdated HVAC

Your air conditioning system, like anything else, loses efficiency as it ages. Components wear down and stop working properly, causing your ac unit to use more power to cool your house. If your air-con has been in service for a decade or more, it is most certainly not operating as efficiently as it originally did.

Long-Term AC Efficiency Tips

There are a few things you can do to make your AC more efficient without compromising your comfort. Here are some ideas to help save money and keep you happy all season long.

Close Your Windows and Doors

If you keep your home’s windows and doors open, the conditioned air within may readily escape outdoors. This can result in significant inefficiencies. If you wish to air out your space, make sure to switch off the ac machine first. Remember, it is not your responsibility to keep the whole neighborhood cool.

Keep Your System Away from The Sun

There’s no denying that the summer heat can be scorching. This heat may have a significant influence on your outdoor condenser unit, forcing it to operate harder merely to keep your home cool. Put some shade over the outdoor unit to assist decrease strain, wear and tear. The objective here is only to create a shade and not hinder airflow in any manner.

Clear Around the Outdoor Unit

Clear debris around the outside unit, which can limit airflow around the AC compressor and impair the performance of your AC unit. You should visually examine and remove any feathers, twigs, leaves, or other junk stuck in or around the unit.

Shrubs, bushes, and trees must be a minimum of two feet away from your outside component. Trim anything overgrowing and obstructing your unit’s ventilation so that the air conditioning’s compressor can breathe.

Install A Smart Thermostat

A conventional dial thermostat allows you to change the temperature in your home, but a contemporary thermostat may be customized to suit your household’s patterns. Wi-Fi-enabled versions let you manage the temperature remotely from anywhere. A smart thermostat improves the effectiveness of your AC, especially when it notifies you of your power usage, high humidity, an abnormality in your system, or the requirement for new filters.

Schedule HVAC Tune-Up

Routine HVAC maintenance will keep your air-con equipment running effectively. Routine maintenance is an annual examination, which includes replacing the air filters, inspecting electrical connections, searching for refrigerant leaks, and looking for any possible faults that might affect the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.

Don’t squander your hard-earned cash on excessive energy costs! Please contact us for any of your heating and cooling requirements. At pridekeepsyoucool.com, we provide HVAC maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs to keep you comfortable throughout the season.