Whether you’re using it to fend off the summer heat or to warm your place up during winter, there’s no denying the usefulness of an air conditioner. The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t changed this. In fact, with the lockdown in full effect, the importance of having an efficient AC system has only increased.
Unfortunately, many Americans depend on air conditioners that are nowhere near as efficient as they could be. This affects not only power consumption, but also the AC’s ability to cool or heat up a room.
This may be caused by malfunctions that require professional AC repair in Chandler, but it may also be the result of user errors and other problems. That’s what we’ll be focusing on in this article. Read on to learn how to ensure your air conditioner is always operating at top efficiency.
What affects air conditioner efficiency?
Before we get into the various problems that may affect your AC, it’s important to point out that improper installation is the major cause of air conditioner inefficiency. This is one of the main reasons why you should always have your ACs installed by licensed professionals.
Top 5 factors that reduce an AC’s efficiency are:
- Suboptimal airflow. Clogged air filters, ductwork problems, and blocked condensers are just some of the problems that can make it difficult for your air conditioner to “breathe”.
- Lack of maintenance. Like cars, air conditioners require regular maintenance in order to operate smoothly and prevent more serious malfunctions.
- Dirty coils. When dirt builds up in your evaporator or condenser coils, it reduces their ability to transfer heat. As a result, your AC has to work extra hard and consume additional energy.
- Low thermostat settings. The lower you set your thermostat, the more power your AC will need to cool down your home.
- Leaky ducts. Cracked or improperly connected ductwork can cause unfiltered warm air from your home to seep in and the conditioned air to leak out. This not only lowers efficiency, but also increases the dirt buildup inside the AC.
What is a good SEER rating for an air conditioner?
Every HVAC unit you can buy today has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. A SEER rating is the cooling output of an AC over a standard cooling season divided by the energy the unit consumed in watt-hours.
Most air conditioners have a SEER value that ranges from 13-14 to 21-25. As a rule of thumb, you should never get an AC that has a SEER rating lower than 14. Units with a good SEER rating will not only reduce your power bills, but also cool your house more effectively.
How can I increase my AC efficiency?
It’s important to point out that ACs are mechanical devices, and all mechanical devices undergo normal wear and tear during use. As a result, older air conditioners simply can’t operate at the same efficiency as their brand new, more technologically-advanced counterparts.
That being said, careful maintenance and yearly professional tune-ups will keep even older AC systems working flawlessly for many years.
Who provides the most reliable AC repair in Chandler and nearby communities?
One of the worst things about the COVID-19 outbreak is that we have no idea when it will be over. With no cure or vaccine in sight, it’ll be a long time before we can once again enjoy a carefree day at the Desert Oasis Aquatic Center with our friends and family.
Here at Hughes Air, we can’t make the pandemic go away, but we can make sure you spend the lockdown in a cool and cozy home. As the leading provider of AC repair and installation services in Chandler, we have everything you need to ensure your air conditioner works like a charm for many years to come. Contact us today.