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How Efficient is Your AC? A Guide to AC EER/SEER Ratings

How Efficient is Your AC? A Guide to AC EER/SEER Ratings

Energy efficiency is essential in the home, especially if you’re looking for ways to cut down your monthly utility expenses. Learn which AC unit is the most energy-efficient to make your home more comfortable while adding only a little to your energy costs.

Comfort often comes at a cost. A new A/C unit may result in two major expenses: the upfront cost and the monthly utility bills. But saving on energy costs doesn’t mean you have to endure the heat when summer rolls around.

Modern A/C units are more energy-efficient, as manufacturers see this as a huge selling point. They often come with an EER or SEER rating to inform buyers of how much energy the unit will consume and how it will translate to dollars. Knowing how to read and analyze these ratings will help you choose the best A/C unit for your home.

Importance of Energy Efficiency at Home

Energy Efficiency

Before you look for a home A/C installation service in Norwalk, CA, you must understand why you should consider an energy-efficient product. The technology manufacturers use to improve the energy consumption of your A/C provides more advantages than just savings:

  • Eco-Friendliness – When your A/C unit consumes less energy, it emits fewer greenhouse gases. Your home lowers its carbon footprint, making it more eco-friendly.
  • Better Control – The technology that allows modern A/C units to adjust to your home’s temperature gives you better control over the thermostat. You can program the unit to switch off when no one’s home, and it switches back on a few minutes before you arrive.
  • Improved Air Quality – Old and damaged HVAC systems compromise airflow and air quality. A new A/C unit has better air cleaning features that reduce air impurities.

What is the EER/SEER Rating?

Energy Star Logo

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I know if my AC is energy efficient?” you should familiarize yourself with the EER and SEER rating systems. Understanding these two types of measurements will help you in your decision-making process.

EER Rating

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it has been around since the mid-1970s. It calculates an A/C unit’s energy efficiency using a constant outside temperature and a constant inside temperature.

Formula: EER rating = Capacity in BTU/h (British thermal unit per hour) ÷ Power (in watts)

If you’re wondering what a good EER rating for an A/C unit is, it is 8.5 and above. The higher the rating, the more efficient the A/C unit is. Also, consider looking for the ENERGY STAR label. It indicates that the A/C unit uses 10% less energy to operate.

SEER Rating

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is one of the most common ways to measure an appliance’s energy efficiency. You’ll often see this rating in an appliance’s Energy Guide Tag.

Formula: SEER rating = cooling output during summer ÷ energy used during summer

The average range for a good SEER rating is 13 to 21. However, this is based on the specific climate condition of your area. The U.S. Department of Energy published a list of SEER ratings based on geographical region.

EER vs. SEER

HVAC technicians advise homeowners to look at an A/C unit’s EER rating rather than its SEER rating.

The former is a standardized measurement for energy efficiency, as it is specific to the machine. With EER, it’s easier for you to compare different A/C units when shopping.

Alternatively, you can use the SEER rating to determine which products are best suited for your location. Then, compare the EER ratings of your shortlisted units to narrow down your search.

By knowing the difference between EER and SEER ratings, you can streamline your search and make a more informed decision.

How to Read the Energy Guide

Modern A/C units and other appliances come with Energy Guide labels. These tell you how much energy the item uses and how much you’ll save in a year. There are three items to look for when reading these labels.

  • The estimated yearly energy cost is the amount you are expected to save in utilities annually. It is determined by comparing the unit’s performance capacity with the national average electricity cost.
  • The appropriate ratio determines how well the unit will perform in your home. If you’re buying a room A/C, look for its EER rating. If you’re purchasing a central A/C, look for its SEER rating.
  • The ENERGY STAR label indicates that the unit has passed energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Appliances with this label are touted as the most cost-effective items in the market.

Understanding Different Types of Air Conditioners

Air Conditioner

Now that you know how to determine which A/C consumes less electricity, it’s time to learn about the different types of A/C units. There are two main types of residential A/Cs: stand-alone and split-system. Find out which one is best for your home.

Stand-Alone Air Conditioner

A stand-alone A/C is designed with both its coils inside a single device. It gives the user more convenience because it’s easy to install and is affordable. However, it tends to be noisy and has low capacity. Below are examples of stand-alone units.

  • A portable air conditioner is one of the most popular choices because it is easy to install, highly affordable, and mobile.
  • A window air conditioner is ideal because you don’t have to make a hole in your wall to install it.
  • A wall-mounted air conditioner is often found in old houses and apartment buildings because it doesn’t need an external unit permit to install and operate.
  • A floor-mounted air conditioner is slowly becoming a thing of the past because it takes up a lot of floor space. But it’s still a good option for homes with large rooms.

Split-System Air Conditioner

A split-system A/C unit is made up of two shells. The one inside the home is small and houses the cooling coil. The shell outside is bulky and houses the heating coil. It is quiet, aesthetically pleasing, and has a high capacity. However, it’s usually difficult to install and expensive. These are examples of split-type air conditioners.

  • A central air conditioner is one of the most popular choices for homeowners because it has a ducted air pipe system that can be installed in any room in the house.
  • A wall-mounted or floor-mounted split-type air conditioner has a high capacity, making it ideal for homes with large rooms.
  • A mini split-system ductless air conditioner is becoming one of the popular options because of its convenient installation.

How to Choose the Best A/C Unit for Your Home

There are three things to consider when selecting an A/C for your home.

1. Determine the room’s square footage.

Measuring the room will help you determine how much cooling capacity is required.

Knowing the room or house size prevents you from choosing an A/C that can’t adequately cool the place. The smaller the square footage, the lower the capacity needed, and vice-versa.

2. Determine the right cooling capacity for the room.

When the unit has low capacity and the room is big, it needs to exert more effort than is advisable for its operating system. On the other hand, if the unit is too big for the room, you would have spent unnecessarily on a high-capacity unit. An A/C with the right capacity for your home will help you save money on your monthly electricity bills and provide adequate comfort.

3. Adjust the cooling capacity as necessary.

Before settling on an A/C unit, look at the room’s specifications.

  • Reduce capacity by 10% if the room is heavily shaded. Alternatively, increase capacity by 10% if the room gets a lot of sunlight.
  • Increase capacity by 600 BTUs if more than two people will regularly occupy the room.
  • Increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs if the A/C unit is placed in the kitchen or anywhere that regularly gets high temperatures.

How to Make Your A/C Unit More Energy Efficient

smart home

Once you’ve purchased your A/C, you can perform a few things that will make it more energy-efficient, perform better, and extend its lifespan.

  • Change your air filters regularly to prevent dust and debris from blocking the air and moving freely.
  • If you’re using a split-system, clean the condenser unit’s surrounding area outside to prevent debris from getting into the machine.
  • Keep heat-producing appliances away from the thermostat to prevent inaccurate temperature readings.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed when you switch on the A/C unit to prevent cold air from escaping the room. Leaving any gaps can also cause warm air to enter the room.
  • Fix any cracks and holes in your ceilings and walls to prevent air leakage because this will cause the A/C unit to perform harder and longer than necessary.

In addition, HVAC technicians advise homeowners to practice proactive maintenance for their A/C units. Doing so will help you identify different issues before they worsen, preventing you from damaging the entire appliance.

Make your home more energy-efficient with the right A/C. Comfort Time Heating and Cooling can help you increase your home comfort and decrease your energy bills with our HVAC services. Talk to us to learn more.

Things To Remember To Keep Your AC In Good Condition

Things To Remember To Keep Your AC In Good Condition

We all know the importance of maintaining an HVAC system. And we also understand that sometimes bad practices can result in a broken machine, but what are you doing wrong? Find out so this doesn’t happen to your home!

The time to check your A/C system is during the off-season. When you’re not using it, take some extra steps so that if anything goes wrong with this machine then repairs can be made in advance and efficiently for everyone involved!

Common Causes of A/C Problems

To keep your A/C running smoothly, you need to be mindful of how often and when in between uses it is used. The more times an appliance such as this unit gets fired up or turned on for a short period then taken off again without being fully cooled will cause wear-and tear over time which may lead into failure due lack lubrication from excessive friction against moving parts within its mechanism—reporters note that these habits can quickly become harmful if not addressed immediately!

Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a substance that removes heat and moisture from the air. It’s normal for A/C units, especially old models, to leak this substance. It leads to low refrigerant levels and causes problems for the system, such as:

  • loss of cooling power
  • ice forming on the coil
  • damage to the compressor

Solution: When you see leaks, call an HVAC specialist who will determine where these are coming from and to patch them up.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil is the heart of your A/C unit. It absorbs heat from air, circulates it with refrigerant and prevents freezing over so you can enjoy cool home all year long! If these coils are compromised due to an issue within its plumbing system (i.e., worn out furnace), then there will be a layer build-up on top that could cause problems down below for any household appliance using electricity as well – including TVs or computers which often times require ample cooling power in order operate smoothly at their optimum efficiency level.

Solution: If your A/C unit is leaking, check to see if your evaporator coils froze.

Dirty Condenser Coils

close up photo of a condenser

Common HVAC problems often come from dirty parts.

“During winter, we tend to ignore cleaning the A/C. But leaving this off your to-do list will lead to dust and grime build-up in the unit, including its condenser coils.”

You don’t want to let dust and grime build up on your A/C system, because it can cause performance issues. It also leaves room for natural wear-and tear which will accelerate the degradation process over time!

Solution: Make sure to clean your A/C unit, especially its condenser coils, during winter or when not in use. Do this again before you turn it on to avoid any performance problems.

Thermostat Problems

digital thermostat

If you have an old A/C unit that uses a dial-type thermostat, its calibration is likely wrong. When it’s not corrected, your A/C unit won’t perform at its best. If you have a programmable thermostat, you might make mistakes in calibrating it. This will result in the same consequence of making your A/C unit perform harder, again, wearing it off more rapidly.

Solution: If you have a dial-type thermostat, consider having it changed to a programmable one to have better control. If you are having problems with your programmable thermostat, consider checking the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for tips.

Clogged Drains

You might not be aware of it, but your A/C unit has built-in drains to keep moisture in the air from leaking all over. These same channels can become clogged by dust and dirt though so when you don’t unclog them before a backup occurs – water will back up into said system which could damage everything within its reach including furniture! At worst case scenario; if this happens repeatedly enough then there’s potential for internal leaks that could wreak havoc on any room below ground level (or even externally).

Solution: Check your A/C unit’s drains before turning it on. Clean it and remove any build-up. You may also hire a specialist to do it if you can’t reach the drains.

Fan Problems

You might think that you can just replace one or two components when your A/C goes out, but there are actually a variety of problems with these systems. For example, if either fan fails to work as it should—whether due in part from lack-luster performance by its motor (the blower) and/or poor wiring within the system itself—you risk having nothing left except for hot air!

Solution: Check the motor for damage, the fan belt for excess wear, and the unit for grime build-up. If your fans still don’t function well after these steps, consider calling an HVAC specialist.

Now that it’s winter, you have enough time to have your A/C checked for damage. Talk to our team to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll identify any problems and fix them before the summer.

The Basic Guide on Furnace Replacement

The Basic Guide on Furnace Replacement

Your furnace is a robust machine, but it can break and stop working. Although you don’t have to replace them each time they breakdown (although repairs are necessary), knowing when something needs fixing now so as not be left with no heat at all this winter will save money on energy bills!

Winter is the least convenient time for your furnace to break down but it can happen. There are ways that you could identify warning signs leading up until freezing in order avoid this scenario, find out what these issues might be so as not miss any problems with savings on future repairs or service visits!

Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace

Homeowners sometimes opt to repair common HVAC problems instead of buying a new furnace. But the initial cost can be less than what you’ll spend on repairs, so it’s worth checking out!

Your furnace is more than 15 years old.

Furnace Interior

Age is the most common reason to replace a furnace. These machines often have a 15 to 20-year lifespan. But waiting until its 2nd decade to replace it will only cause you headaches.

Most of the time, a heater stops working as it nears its expiration date. One of the signs it’s inching towards its last years is when it doesn’t heat up your house as much as it used to. Another is when it turns off on its own even when there are no electricity problems.

Your electricity bills have increased.

A common result of furnace problems is higher energy consumption. Since the machine is working harder to operate, it’s consuming more power.

“If you’re looking for ways to lower your electric bill in the winter, you’re better off replacing your old furnace.”

A new model will help you save electricity. Apart from the absence of performance issues, the latest models are designed to be energy efficient. They also use eco-friendly refrigerants, preventing harmful chemicals from entering your home.

Your furnace is making odd noises.

The occasional noise from your furnace is normal. But if they become more frequent and sound different from the typical noises, there might be something wrong with the machine’s internal components.

  • A rattling sound is often caused by loose parts or ducts.
  • A clicking sound is an indicator of a broken flame sensor or igniter.
  • A screeching sound indicates problems with your furnace blower motor.

You experience frequent temperature fluctuations.

Are you feeling cold even though the heater is on? Is one room warmer than the others? When your furnace is broken or malfunctioning, you will likely feel it in your home’s temperature. Although this problem doesn’t always require a replacement, you should still ask a technician to confirm.

Your home is dustier than usual.

If you notice more dust than usual, despite cleaning every day, your furnace might be malfunctioning. The dust might be coming from inside the machine, and the filter isn’t blocking it. Your furnace has filters that prevent airborne particles from accumulating in your home. A quick change of these filters can usually fix the problem.

However, if you still see dust and soot in your home after changing the filters, there might be something wrong with your furnace. In some cases, these particles may indicate an overproduction of carbon monoxide. Prevent health and safety risks by calling a technician.

Your furnace isn’t turning on automatically.

High temperature

Heaters operate in a cycle. When your furnace fan doesn’t turn on automatically when your home dips below the temperature you’ve set, there might be a serious problem with the machine. Alternatively, the same could be said if the furnace doesn’t turn off once the thermostat reaches your set temperature.

Why Opt For Furnace Replacement?

Most homeowners and HVAC manufacturers would agree that replacing your furnace should be your last resort. However, you shouldn’t insist on keeping a broken machine in the hopes of getting it repaired.

When you don’t replace the furnace at a time it should be replaced, you end up with several consequences.

  • Your utility bills will continue to increase as your furnace consumes more energy than necessary.
  • You’ll end up paying for costly repairs and expensive parts that only provide temporary solutions.
  • You put your family at risk of inhaling harmful chemicals when the broken furnace begins leaking refrigerants and carbon monoxide.

Ask a professional to determine the next steps for your malfunctioning furnace. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.