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Air conditioning contractors typically look at three things when it comes to determining whether an air conditioner’s energy efficiency meets the standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency: system performance, duct leakage, and indoor air quality (IAQ). Not only does each factor affect how efficient your air conditioner is, but they also determine how comfortable you are in your home or office environment. Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail so you can make sure your air conditioning system runs as efficiently as possible while maintaining IAQ and minimizing energy costs.
If you find that your air conditioner is not working as effectively as it used to, it may be time for some maintenance. From a simple change of filters to more substantial repairs and replacement, hiring an air conditioning contractor can help you keep your cool in every sense of the word. But don’t just hire any old AC contractor, find a technician who specializes in energy-efficient units.
There are a number of things you can do around your home that will improve how efficient your air conditioning system is. For starters, call an air conditioning contractor to perform some routine maintenance. A VigarooHomeTrusted Pro will be able to look for any worn parts that could be weakening your AC unit and causing it to work harder than it needs. Here are a few more ways you can test and improve efficiency To see if your AC is functioning at its peak performance, start by checking its temperature settings. Many systems have two temperature settings: one for cooling and one for dehumidifying (moisture removal). Contact an Air Conditioning Contrator to have your system checked. Next, check whether or not there's anything obstructing your vents or filters—and clean them out if necessary. Finally, check to see if there's any debris in your outdoor condenser fan—which should be cleaned out twice a year during seasonal changes. Be sure to also regularly check your thermostat (or central air controller) as well as its batteries, both should last five years before needing replacement or new batteries installed!
The evaporator coil is located inside your air conditioning unit. If your evaporator coil is dirty, this may result in a reduced air flow and an increase in energy consumption. To test and improve your air conditioning unit's efficiency, vacuum out any dust from your evaporator coil to improve airflow. Keeping up with regular maintenance ensures that you're receiving a consistent amount of airflow year-round and can save you hundreds on energy costs!
When you have your air conditioner serviced, ask your technician to run efficiency tests on it. Most systems with a model number that ends in R use some of the most energy-efficient technologies on the market, while those ending in U are nearly 20% less efficient than other units. Use Energy Star's rating system to compare and find units that meet (or exceed) minimum efficiency requirements. Look for equipment with ENERGY STAR labels, as well. Also keep an eye out for deals and rebates when purchasing a new unit. Local utility companies sometimes offer savings programs for upgrading or installing new systems.
One of best ways to take advantage of your air conditioning system is by cooling you home with fans before you turn on your AC. Many people don’t realize that their fans can actually cool their rooms much faster than an air conditioner alone.
To check on your air conditioner’s performance, start by running it at full capacity in its coldest setting. Watch how quickly it cools down a room and keep an eye on its energy usage; if it takes much longer than 20 minutes to cool a space, or if it uses more than 500 kilowatt-hours per month, you may need an upgrade.
If you live in a small apartment, chances are your AC unit is serving double duty: both cooling and dehumidifying. If your air conditioner is old, has a filter that needs regular cleaning or isn’t doing its job well, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer models use significantly less energy than older ones. But here’s some good news: The financial benefits of a new AC unit are often offset by tax credits and rebates provided by local utility companies and state governments.
An HVAC contractor will likely first use gauges and other tools to test your home's energy efficiency. If your system is outdated, they'll also help you figure out what type of equipment would work best for your needs. The AC contractor in Mountlake Terrace, WA, may be able to make suggestions on reducing your energy usage, as well. Finally, when you're ready for a new system, he'll handle any necessary permits and installations.
If you find that your air conditioner is not cooling or heating as it should be, you may want to contact an HVAC contractor. When exactly do you need to do so? This can depend on many factors. Below are some of those factors. To prevent further damage to your unit and any loss of use, call a professional right away.
There are lots of contractors, and some are better than others. To ensure you find a good contractor for your air conditioning installation, ask friends and family for recommendations; check online reviews; and get at least three bids from different AC installers. One might charge more but have better quality work or a more experienced crew. Another might be cheaper but may also do sloppy work or rush through things so they can move on to their next job. After comparing quotes, look at reviews on sites like Yelp, and Google to get an idea of which installer has been in business longer (more experience) and has gotten great reviews from previous customers (quality).
If you suspect your AC might be using too much energy or not cooling enough, take advantage of one of our free service calls and we'll inspect your system. And if there's anything wrong with it, we'll make sure that it gets fixed up before you go back outside and roast yourself in our sunny weather. And because AC is a significant source of electrical use in most homes, lowering your electricity usage can significantly reduce your overall energy bills. So if you're sick of feeling like you're being cooked inside your own home, tell us about it today so we can help!
If you want your cooling and heating system working in tip-top shape, get in touch with our team at Cooler Inc. We have been servicing Murrieta homes for many years and are experts in air conditioning installation, repair, maintenance, and more. Our professionals can help with every aspect of your project—whether it is commercial or residential.