Psst! ‘Inefficient’ Is Code for ‘Costing Too Much $$$’
From our bodies to our cars and more, poor choices can lead to lackluster performance and costly problems. For example, a person with a bad diet who doesn’t exercise or get enough rest can become lethargic, gain weight and develop serious health issues. Similarly, a car with a dirty engine that’s running on poor-grade gasoline can sputter, stall and conk out.
Without proper care and attention, your air conditioner could be headed for trouble, too. As summer begins to wind down, August is the perfect time to make sure your AC is still running as efficiently as possible. If it isn’t, your cool comfort will be compromised and your energy costs will rise.
At Matheson, we love to share information with our customers that will keep their cooling systems in Commerce and nearby operating at their best. Since we’re still in the middle of summer, we’ll focus on your air conditioner for now. But keep in mind that we’re the high-flying team you can trust for your heating and plumbing needs, too!
Is Your AC Inefficient? Use This Checklist to Find Out!
1. Look for the star—the Energy Star!
Energy Star is a government-backed program that helps consumers find energy-efficient products. When an AC system has the Energy Star blue label, it’s a sure sign it’s energy efficient. For an AC system to earn the Energy Star rating, it needs to have at least a 14.5 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Systems with a SEER of 16 or higher are considered high efficiency. These systems can save you 20 percent or more on your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Your system is at least 10 years old.
Newer models are typically updated to be more efficient and to offer greater energy savings. If your system is 10 years old or older, it probably lacks all of the bells and whistles to maximize efficiency. Plus, normal wear-and-tear will make and older system less efficient.
3. Your monthly energy bills are out of whack.
If your monthly energy bills have jumped and you’re not sure why, the answer is probably an inefficient air conditioner. When your system is inefficient, it needs more energy to keep your home cool. Plus, higher energy use means higher energy bills.
4. Your air filter is dirty.
When your air filter is dirty, it reduces the flow of air through your system and forces it to work harder. To encourage efficient operation, you should change your air filter at least every three months.
5. Your system’s performance is “off.”
If your system is cycling on and off frequently, it is working harder than it should (and wasting energy!). Other signs of poor performance are hot and cold pockets throughout your home, high humidity and the need for frequent repairs.
6. Your system wasn’t properly installed.
We can’t stress this enough: A proper installation is critical to your system’s performance. An experienced AC technician will make sure your new system is the right size for your home and that both the system and ductwork are meticulously placed. He or she will also make sure the airflow is adequate and the system is properly charged with the correct amount of refrigerant. A misstep with any of these items could drastically affect your system’s efficiency.
7. Your system has been neglected.
Routine maintenance is the smart way to keep your system running efficiently. During routine maintenance visits, a trained technician will make minor adjustments to improve your system’s performance. Your tech is also trained to find and repair any small issues with your system before they can escalate into major problems.
How about your AC system? Does it need some end-of-summer attention from one of our experienced AC pros? To schedule your tune-up or repair, visit our website.