Detecting AC Efficiency
When the temperatures rise in Davenport, FL, you’ll want to make sure your system is ready to meet the challenge. However, you may be asking yourself the question, “How do I know that my AC is efficient enough to cool my home?”
There are several ways to tell if your AC is running at a highly efficient level. If you are looking for ways to maintain a cool, comfortable environment and to keep more money in your wallet, consider these tips for what to watch.
Cool Spaces
One good sign that your AC is operating efficiently is that every room in your home is cool and comfortable throughout the day and night. However, if you begin to experience a cooling issue, call a trained technician to aid you in achieving maximum energy usage.
Appropriate Run Time
The first sign that your AC is running efficiently is that your system stays on just long enough to perform its job. If your system is immediately turning on, reaching your desired setting, and immediately turning off, then your AC unit should be cycling correctly. This means that your unit is energy efficient.
However, if your AC continues to cool your home after the desired temperatures are reached, then your system is wasting energy, and you likely have a thermostat issue. Check your thermostat to see if your need to change the batteries. If the batteries are not an issue, you may want to call a professional.
Consistent Temperatures
If the temperature in your home is always at a consistent level throughout the day, your system is likely efficient. This is because most of the energy used gets distributed just enough to cool your home.
If you were to feel inconsistent temperatures, then when your system is undercooling or overcooling your home, energy is wasted. The waste likely comes from a false temperature reading. When this happens, your AC will waste energy trying to meet a temperature it cannot reach.
Consistent Bills
Another great sign that your AC is efficient is that you see little change in the cost of your energy bills over time. If you can say that the money you’ve spent cooling your home has stayed at a reasonable average, there is likely nothing wrong with your AC unit.
Spikes or gradual increases in your bills most definitely mean that more energy is being used by your AC unit. While the cause of rising bills could vary, the issue probably is that your system is working harder than it should. When this happens, it’s important to contact a professional to look for any problems that are causing your AC to work inefficiently.
Young System
If you’ve recently acquired your AC, you probably won’t have any issues with efficiency, especially since modern air conditioners are more efficient than ever.
Around the 10-year mark, however, your AC begins to reach the end of its expected life span. You may notice it needs repairing more often due to the lack of one of the good signs mentioned above. Once your AC reaches 10 or more years of age, you probably will begin experiencing more wasted energy. Even if you don’t notice the changes, the wasted energy could have slowly accumulated over time.
Detecting Your Efficiency
To detect whether your AC is putting all of its energy to good use, you will need a thermometer. First, turn your AC on, and leave it on for 15 minutes. To get the best reading for your test, make sure the outdoor temperature is over 80 degrees. Next, you will place your thermometer on the supply register closest to the cooling equipment, keep it there for five minutes, and record the temperature.
After that, you will do the same thing at the return vent, which is usually larger. Notice the two temperatures. If the air coming out is at least 15 degrees colder than the air coming in, then your AC efficiency is fine. If your temperature reading is outside of this range, then you likely have a leak or filtration issue.
Your Efficiency Experts
Underwood AC LLC is here to meet your cooling needs. We also can perform heating installation and repair services. We value our customers and do our best to leave a smile on your face. If you feel like you’ve suffered a loss of efficiency from your air conditioner, call us today.
