Who says only a repair or maintenance team can boost your air conditioner’s performance?
Totally not!
As a unit owner, you can do some things to better your AC’s performance.
At Cool Guys Mechanical, we don’t only offer affordable and reliable AC services, but we also offer expert tips on how you can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
What are we waiting for? Let’s dive right in!
What are the 3 Essential factors to Consider When Buying an AC Unit?
When you are forewarned, you are armed.
Efficiency always starts when you make an informed decision before purchasing.
There are three factors to consider when buying an AC unit: power, efficiency, and noise.
Power
Power is the maximum rate at which an air conditioner removes heat from a closed space. British Thermal Units, or BTUs, are commonly used to express this.
There is a recommended number of BTUs per square foot depending on how much space needs to be cooled. Because of its nature, kitchens are recommended to have a slightly larger number of BTUs.
An AC unit with longer operating cycles to decrease humidity levels is highly preferable. Thus, when the humidity levels are kept at bay, it increases air quality and comfort.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the equivalent amount of energy used to achieve an actual work or performance.
Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings are given to each item; the greater the number, the less energy your equipment will use. This score is quite helpful when deciding between any two appliances with very comparable qualities.
A high-efficiency air conditioner has a SEER rating of over 13. However, this depends on the size of the space it is cooling and your personal cooling preferences.
Noise Levels
Your air conditioning system’s noise level should be under 60 decibels, preferably close to 15 decibels, or if possible, quieter. Ensure that our AC unit complies with your building or location’s regulations.
What are the 10 Ways to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency?
Let us walk through some of the AC maintenance tips that you can do to improve your air conditioner efficiency.
1. Evaluate the AC’s capacity to ventilate the room
This should be the first thing on your list.
An AC unit cooling load is determined by the room area, its position, the heat it generates inside, and other important elements.
The larger the cooling load, the tougher it is for your air conditioner to cool effectively.
Choosing a cooling AC unit that befits the size of your area is one of the most crucial things you need to do to increase its efficiency.
If your air conditioner is too small or too large for your room, it won’t work correctly and will run continuously, which can significantly raise your monthly electricity bill.
2. Replace the filter regularly.
Clogged or unclean filters restrict airflow, which strains your air conditioner.
Remember that indoor air is improved when less dirt or dust circulates your room.
Remember that indoor air is improved when less dirt or dust circulates your room.
3. Keep your ductwork insulated.
Have a professional insulate any exposed ducting you have in your crawlspace or attic.
A sizable amount of conditioned air and cooling can leak through the ducts. Your AC’s efficiency can be improved by cleaning and identifying spots of leakage in the insulated ducts.
4. Tightly latch your doors and cover your windows.
The heat coming through your windows or doors left ajar, or tiny openings can adversely affect your air conditioner’s efficiency and air quality as cold air leaks outside.
Covering as many windows as possible or ensuring that doors are tightly latched helps improve AC efficiency.
5. Use ceiling fans
Adding ceiling fans can help the room feel cooler by aiding cold air circulation. Additionally, they are far more energy-efficient than a 100-watt light bulb. Your air conditioner will work less hard if you make this minor adjustment.
6. Safeguard your external condenser
Your external condenser unit may be significantly impacted by the heat outside, which can gradually reduce its ability to cool your home effectively.
To help prevent strain and general types of adverse consequences, install some preventative shading over your outdoor unit. The primary purpose should be to provide protection, not to obstruct airflow in any particular way.
7. Ensure all the AC components are thoroughly cleaned.
The exterior AC unit will function well as long as it is thoroughly cleaned inside out. Even though cleaning the condenser may be difficult and time-consuming, you should know how to do it before starting, or you can contact Cool Guys Mechanical for your AC needs.
Failure to clean your AC components can cause your system to work too hard, driving up your electricity costs.
8. Check electrical wiring for leaks and flaws.
If you notice that your air conditioner’s ducting needs urgent repairs, ensure you contact an AC Repair specialist to repair leaking ducts and effectively handle temperature difficulties and problems in your home.
Cool Guys Mechanical is a team of qualified air conditioner repair specialists who can repair leakages, offer tips to increase system effectiveness, and suggest ways to lower electricity costs dramatically.
9. Increase Thermostat Temperature
By lowering your thermostat by 5 and 8 degrees in the winter, you can increase the efficiency of your air conditioner.
In addition, you can increase your air conditioner’s efficiency by using a ceiling fan to get similar results in the summer. This can blow out cooler air even if the temperature setting is increased.
An upgrade to a programmable thermostat, which can be managed through your smartphone, can also help as it automatically regulates temperatures for specific times of the day.
10. Schedule routine maintenance
You must have your air conditioning system maintained at least once a year.
It has several working parts and is naturally prone to wearing out. Regular maintenance enables AC specialists to optimize system performance, tune up the unit, and identify minor problems for quick resolution before vital components are eventually damaged.
Maintenance can lead to a longer working life and an increase in efficiency.
Why is my AC not functioning right?
If you already did all the mentioned tips, and your AC unit is still not working right, there might be underlying problems that you need to look out for.
The following are signs that your air conditioner is damaged.
- Strange noises coming from the unit
- Not cooling as effectively as it should.
- Increased in your monthly electric bill
- Hot air is blown from the unit
- Foul odor
Knowing the things to consider, such as power, energy efficiency, and noise levels, before buying an air conditioning system unit is vital to determine and upholding its efficiency.
However, if you already have one, you can do the aforementioned tips to help improve your AC’s efficiency. But more than anything, having your unit serviced regularly can give you the best results.
If you want to hire the best air conditioner repair service in Honolulu, Cool Guys Mechanical is the name to remember. We ensure you get the best possible results for all your AC repair and maintenance needs.
Book an appointment with us today!
