What Is A High-Efficiency Air Conditioner?

A high-efficiency air conditioner means it consumes less energy to operate. This technology is getting more and more popular as it allows you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint without reducing your thermal comfort. Indeed, AC units with higher efficiencies tend to be more expensive. But, you will also reap more benefits from them. 

In addition to lower operating costs, a high-efficiency air conditioner also provides better performance. If you regularly run your unit for long periods of time or when the weather is extremely hot, it can help you stay cooler and more comfortable. Furthermore, you don’t need to install individual units for each room because these systems can be zoned to cool specific areas of your home. As a result, you can save even more money on your energy bills.

SEER Rating

The easiest parameter to measure the efficiency level of an appliance is the SEER rating. Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, SEER rating represents the cooling output during the summer for the total energy consumed during that period. The higher the rating, the less it consumes energy to provide sufficient cooling. At this moment, an AC unit can be recognized as energy-efficient if it has at least 13 SEER.

SEER rating is a useful metric because it expresses the energy efficiency of an appliance in a concrete numerical value. However, other factors should also be considered when evaluating how efficient an AC unit really is, such as its power consumption, noise level, and design. While some people may prefer a higher SEER rating over other factors, others might choose a unit with other desirable features. For example, if you live in a hot and humid climate and need an AC that can quickly cool down a large space, then you might want to consider the power consumption of the unit rather than its energy efficiency. Furthermore, some people may prioritize a quiet operation over anything else, even if it means sacrificing some energy efficiency.

Energy Star Label

Energy Star is a collaborative program between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to promote energy efficiency. The Energy Star labels on appliances indicate that the products have better efficiency than the average. Hence, looking for an AC unit with this label is the easiest way to get you a high-efficiency air conditioner. However, the Energy Star scheme is often misunderstood by buyers who are not aware of its limitations. In this blog post, we’ll discuss these and other aspects to help you decide whether or not you should be buying energy-efficient air conditioners.

Correct Sizing

Getting the correct size of an AC unit is also crucial to achieving optimal efficiency. An oversized air conditioner will be a waste of extra energy consumed. While an undersized unit consumes less than originally needed, it is ineffective to provide sufficient cooling. If you are not sure what size of high-efficiency AC unit to buy, you can ask your supplier to calculate and recommend it for you. With a proper size for your home, you can achieve comfortable conditions with significant savings.

Additionally, regular maintenance is important to ensure that your AC unit runs smoothly and efficiently. This involves simple tasks such as regularly changing the air filter. A dirty air filter affects both the efficiency and lifespan of your AC unit, so be sure to change it regularly. Other maintenance tasks include checking the Freon levels and making sure that all parts are properly lubricated. By keeping your AC unit in good condition, you can be sure that it will last for many years and continue to provide efficient cooling.

Cleanliness

Many people underestimate how much dirt can affect an AC performance, thus making it energy inefficient. The most common cause of decreasing efficiency is the dirty filters, followed by dirty coils and other parts of the system. Even debris around the outdoor unit may also force the machine to run harder, which means more energy is consumed to deliver the usual output. If you have a maintenance program, your system should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Proper Airflow

Blocked or leaking airflow leads to major inefficiency, especially if the leak is pretty big. Fortunately, these are easily preventable by placing your unit in the right setting and maintaining the cleanliness of the AC unit. It is also important to improve the insulation of your property. And most importantly, you need to fix any leak as soon as possible before your machine overheats too much.

Another problem that can lead to inefficiency is when the coils of your AC get frozen. This usually happens when the air filter is not clean enough and as a result, the airflow is restricted. A frozen coil will also prevent heat from being absorbed properly, leading to more energy being used up. The solution here is again, to clean the coils and the air filter regularly.

If you notice that your AC is not working as efficiently as it used to, then it might be time for a checkup. There could be many things wrong with it and only a professional will be able to tell for sure. In any case, getting it checked out early will save you a lot of money and potential headaches down the road.

Regular Maintenance

Running a total checkup and tune-up of your AC unit is also vital to maintain its efficiency. It prevents early wear-and-tear that could cause the machine to work harder. The checkup may also detect if there is leaking in the ductwork or refrigerant line, which can lead to major inefficiency. Furthermore, this service also includes general cleaning and filter replacement, thus preventing blocked airflow and machine overheating.

Another way to keep your AC unit working efficiently is to make sure that the area around it is clear. If there are any obstructions, such as furniture or plants, they can block the airflow and cause the unit to work harder. In addition, be sure to keep the area around the unit clean and free of debris. This will not only improve the efficiency of your unit, but it can also help prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can have a negative impact on your health.

New AC units are generally more energy-efficient than old units. However, you can make a little bit more effort to get the best high-efficiency air conditioner that will be worth the money you spent on it.

If you are experiencing any problems with your AC unit or want to take steps to maximize its performance, be sure to consult a professional for assistance. An experienced HVAC technician will be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and recommend the best course of action. You can also find a variety of resources online that can help you learn more about how to care for your AC unit and keep it running efficiently. Taking the time to invest in proper care and maintenance will save you money in the long run and ensure that your AC unit provides years of comfortable cooling.

 

ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.