Five Potential Problems With Air Conditioner Efficiency

During the dog days of summer, you rely heavily on your air conditioning unit to keep you and your family cool. You keep the thermostat at what you think at a reasonable level and turn the temperature up when you aren't home. Yet, you are still flabbergasted when you see your bill. Why on earth is it so high? Additionally, why is your air conditioner not keeping your home as cool as usual? Here are five reasons your HVAC unit may struggle to keep your home cool.



A Low SEER Rating

The efficiency of your air conditioning is measured with a unit known as the SEER unit, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This number is calculated to show you how efficiently your air conditioner works compared with other ones on the market. A higher number means better efficiency. A decade or so ago, most of these units had a SEER rating between eight and ten. However, the U.S. Department of Energy now requires that cooling systems have a minimum SEER rating of 13, with the most energy-efficient units having a SEER rating around 20.

Here are a few ways you can find your unit's SEER number:

• Check the EnergyGuide sticker on your unit. Look for this black and yellow sticker somewhere on your outdoor unit.
• Look for a piece of paper attached to your indoor unit.
• Check the model number of your unit. It may have the SEER number within the number.
• You can also contact the manufacturer if you don't have any luck finding it.

A SEER number is calculated by taking the average cooling output in a season and dividing it by the energy output. Consider upgrading your equipment for better energy efficiency if you have a low SEER number.

Air Duct Conditions

Something many people don't think about is the conditions of the air ducts. These can get clogged with dirt and debris over time. In addition, vents on the floor of kids' areas may have toys and other things children have shoved in there. Have your air ducts looked at to ensure they are clear so air doesn't have a hard time pushing through. Some air conditioning register covers better protect the air duct, making it difficult for small debris to fall through the cracks. Consider this if you regularly have a problem with items getting dropped into the register.

Inadequate Air Flow

Airflow issues can come from other parts of your unit as well. It may be due to a clogged filter, inefficient ductwork, or a blocked condenser unit. Ensure all these are clean and clear of anything that could negatively affect the airflow. It could also be that your unit is too old and therefore running less efficiently.

It Needs a Tuneup

Your air conditioning unit needs an annual tuneup. Tuneups are particularly important if you live in an area with particularly hot summers. Schedule a tuneup each year with your HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa to ensure your unit is running as efficiently as possible. Consider doing it in the offseason, as many HVAC specialists will be booked during the beginning of new seasons, making it more challenging to get it tuned up promptly.

In addition, be sure you are changing the filters regularly. How often you should change them varies, but when in doubt, simply remove the filter and take a look. If it's caked with dirt, pet hair, debris, etc., then it's time to change it. Check your filter every month or so to see if changing it might help your AC unit run better. The higher the quality filter, the less often it will need to be changed.

Dirty AC Coils

Your outside unit is especially prone to getting dirty. Leaves, sticks, dirt, bugs, and various other things can get in your AC unit, and as this builds up, it will run less efficiently. The AC coils on your unit should be cleaned regularly so that the system can productively remove the heat from the home. This issue will lead to a much higher bill and likely a more uncomfortable home.

These are all problems that can contribute to an inefficient system and higher electric bills. Keeping your unit clean and maintained is the easiest way to save money. Give us a call today for more information on how to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently.