If you want to reduce your monthly utility bills, energy efficiency is a must in your home. Your air conditioner will be a major part of your home’s cooling system during summer. While you’ll want your air conditioner to cool your home, it is vital that you are aware of the condition of your air conditioner. Let’s look at how to test AC energy efficiency.
How to Test AC Energy Efficiency
Two major expenses may be associated with a new A/C unit: the upfront cost as well as the monthly utility bills. However, you don’t have to suffer the heat in summer if you are trying to save on your energy costs. Here’s how to test AC energy efficiency to check whether you need to invest in electrical services in Pico Rivera.
Take a Look at Your Air Filter
The filter of your air conditioner is crucial in maintaining its efficiency and improving indoor air quality. Cooling inefficiency is often caused by a dirty or clogged filter. Air filters should be replaced every three months, but homeowners often wait until there is a problem with their air quality.
You can schedule an appointment for a replacement appointment if your filters have been clogged or dirty for more than three months. An AC maintenance expert can quickly replace the filter and get your machine running smoothly again.
Check the Air Time Difference
A perfectly maintained AC unit will produce air 15-20 degrees cooler than the air it receives. The temperature reading near the cooling equipment should be checked. After five minutes, place the thermometer on top of the return vent. If the second figure is less than the first, the machine is operating properly.
Your AC unit might leak refrigerant or have a faulty or leaking filter if it releases air 14 degrees cooler than the incoming. It doesn’t matter what, you should call an HVAC professional to inspect your unit and perform a maintenance check.
Examine Your Windows
Some houses are more susceptible to heat from the sun, especially during the summer months. If your windows allow too much direct sunlight indoors, your AC unit might lose its cooling capabilities, running up your electrical bill in the meantime. The reason is that the sun raises indoor temperatures and increases the AC unit’s workload. This means that your machine will have to work twice as hard and the air may not be cool enough.
Read the Energy Rating Guide
Energy Guide labels are available for modern A/C units as well as other appliances. These labels tell you how much energy it uses and how much money you can save over the course of a year. These labels should cover three things.
- The expected yearly energy cost shows the amount that you will save on utilities each year. This ends up calculated by comparing the performance of the unit with the average national electricity cost.
- The appropriate ratio is a measure of how efficient the unit will work in your home. Look for the EER rating of a room air conditioner if you are buying one. You should also look at the SEER rating of a central A/C.
- The Energy Star label signifies that the unit meets the energy efficiency standards of the U.S. Department of Energy. This label is considered the best-value appliance on the market.
Additionally, HVAC technicians recommend that homeowners perform proactive maintenance on their A/C units. This will allow you to identify potential problems before they become worse and prevent you from damaging your entire appliance.
Get the HVAC Maintenance You Need Today
Your air conditioner puts out a lot of energy as it runs, but it is a necessary machine during the hot summer months. You can save both yourself and your bank account from being miserable in the heat when you find out how to make your HVAC unit run more efficiently. For more help, consider pro air conditioner installation today. Get in touch with our Pico Rivera experts to cool off with the best air conditioning unit repair!