Cool Ways to Increase Your Home’s Air Conditioning Efficiency

Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic fame recently launched the Global Cooling Prize. In an effort to spark advancement in AC technology, the Global Cooling competition is offering a $3 million prize for the most innovative solution to increase the efficiency of air conditioners worldwide. Closer to home, you can win big and conserve energy (which helps you save money on your monthly utility bill) by making your home air conditioning system as efficient as possible. It all starts with a complete home HVAC assessment by one of our knowledgeable and experienced service technicians. In order to achieve maximum AC efficiency, it’s important to evaluate every aspect of your HVAC system and your home.

Air Conditioners and Energy Usage

As the single largest appliance in your home, air conditioners use more electricity than anything else. During the long summers in Arizona, energy usage by your air conditioner can be responsible for up to 60 percent of your monthly utility bill. All that power usage adds up. Here are ways to reduce your AC energy consumption and make your entire system more efficient:

Your Current Air Conditioner – Is It Time to Replace?

How old is your air conditioner? In many regions of the United States, air conditioners can last from 10 to 12 years, sometimes longer. In the “hottest city in America,” due to heavy AC usage, air conditioners last (on average) approximately eight years. The U.S. Department of Energy website states, “Today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.” The fact is, if you have an older AC unit, upgrading to greener, more current technology will save you significant money on your monthly electric bill which will add up to significant savings over time.

SEER Rating

If you do decide to purchase a new air conditioner, choose one with the highest SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) possible. The SEER rating compares various manufacturer’s air conditioners and indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.

Air Conditioning Systems Require Professional Service

Your air conditioner is comprised of many components, motors, fans, electrical parts, pressurized refrigerant pipes, blowers, capacitors, compressors, electrical wiring and more. This extremely complex system is installed both inside and outside of your home. It is far too complicated for most homeowners to perform do-it-yourself repairs. Yes, some basic upkeep, such as changing air filters and keeping the unit free from debris can be handled by homeowners. However, when it comes to true maintenance, today’s AC units require professionally trained technicians with special tools and equipment. Our specialists have the knowledge and experience needed to fine tune all the intricate parts of your air conditioning system, allowing them to perform at maximum efficiency.

Are You Losing Cool Air Through Poorly Sealed Ducts?

Inefficient or poorly sealed ducts can cause cool air to be lost through leaks in the system. Lack of insulation surrounding ducts, especially in the attic where the temperature can soar to 130 degrees and above in the summer can also negatively impact the cool air being dispersed throughout your home.

A More Efficient Air Conditioning System Will Save You Money

By making the effort to improve the efficiency of your home air conditioning system, you will not only save money but also help reduce overall energy consumption which is good for the environment. When you schedule a spring service inspection, our dedicated service professionals will perform a detailed inspection and provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your system. We’d love to fine tune your air conditioning system so it’s running perfectly and efficiently this summer. Give us a call today.