How can you increase your older AC system's energy efficiency? If your central air conditioner is an older model, take a look at what you need to know about energy efficiency, AC routine maintenance, utility costs, and the summer cooling season.
Make Sure Your System Is Installed Correctly
Installation is the first step towards efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an energy-efficient system that is installed improperly may perform as poorly as a much less efficient air conditioner. This can significantly increase the system's energy needs and your electricity bills.
If you have concerns about your system's energy use or aren't sure whether it was installed correctly, contact an AC contractor. The cooling professional can inspect the system, make sure the installation is correct, and recommend repairs or revisions if needed.
Along with installation, the size of the air conditioner can affect its efficiency. Even though it might seem like a larger unit could cool your home more efficiently, this isn't always true. An incorrectly sized system makes it hard for the air conditioner to remove humidity or completely cool the interior air. Improperly sized air conditioners may leave a home warm and muggy or could cycle on and off constantly.
Schedule Routine Service Now
When was the last time you scheduled an AC cleaning or inspection? If you can't answer this question or the answer is more than one year ago, now is the perfect time for a maintenance service. A qualified technician can inspect the system using AC diagnostics, clean the components, and repair minor issues before they become major problems.
Inspect the Air Ducts
The main unit isn't the only part of a home cooling system that affects efficiency. Air ducts, and losses through them, can significantly increase energy usage and utility costs. A break, crack, or gap in the ducts allows air to leak into the wall spaces or other areas of your home. This reduces the cooling power of the system. As air leaks out, the air conditioner must work harder to keep your home cool. The harder your system works, the more energy it uses—and the more your electricity costs rise.
Older systems often have equally old, or older, ducts. The older the ducts, the more likely it is that the metal or other material will have signs of wear and tear. Air duct leaks are not easy for a novice DIYer (a homeowner) to spot. This means you will need an HVAC professional to inspect the ducts and find potential leaks. If the technician finds a leak, they will need to repair or replace the affected duct. They may also suggest insulated ducts in uncooled spaces. This can decrease heat/cooling transfer and increase the efficiency of your older system.
Reach out to an AC routine maintenance provider to learn more.
Share2 May 2023
Does your air conditioner smell, make loads of extra noise, or fail to cool your home? If you have noticed any of these problems, there might be issues with your air conditioning unit. Fortunately, you don't have to let a bum system make your home stuffy and uncomfortable. Professional heating ventilation and air conditioning contractors can snap your AC unit into shape in no time. By carefully checking your condenser and evaluating your refrigerant levels, the experts might be able to dramatically improve the cooling capacity of your home unit. Read here to find out how to spot problems before they make your space uncomfortable.