As a homeowner, your main responsibilities are to make sure that your property is in tip top shape and that all of your appliances and systems are working as they should be. Your home’s AC system is one of the most important because of the incredibly hot summers that Las Vegas has to endure. Of course, energy efficiency is also important most specifically to your bottom line. Making sure that your AC system is as energy efficient as possible is crucial to ensuring that you get the right balance between comfort and cost.
There are many different indicators of energy efficiency when it comes to air conditioning units and systems however these are the most reliable:
1) A High SEER Rating
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (or SEER) rating of an AC unit can be found either on the AC cabinet or in its manual and measures how well it uses electricity when cooling your home. This will tell you how efficient the AC unit is when it is at its best, not how energy efficient it is in practice. An AC unit that is old, poorly maintained, or damaged will be less effective than an AC unit that has been well maintained over the course of its life.
2) Consistent Internal Temperatures
Consistent results from your AC unit are one of the strongest signs that it is functioning well and using energy as efficiently as possible. This means that you should not find cold or hotspots around your home and that the temperature of your home as a whole should not fluctuate. Of course, low energy efficiency is not the only reason why your property may experience temperature fluctuations. Damage to your HVAC system, the structure of your home, or an AC unit that is not suitable for your home can all cause these issues too.
3) Consistent Energy Bills
If your energy bills stay consistent from year to year (with appropriate seasonal changes) you can be sure that your AC unit is in good working order. Gradual or sudden increases in your energy bills which have no benign reason (for example, having more people in your home regularly) are likely due to a decrease in energy efficiency.
4) Few or No Breakdowns
AC units that are in good repair and have been well maintained will not break down without good reason. They also tend to be more energy-efficient than models of a similar age which are in worse condition. So, if your AC unit runs without complaint, you can be reasonably certain that it is working at a level of high efficiency.
5) Low Noise Levels
AC units are no different to any other appliance. Newer, more advanced models tend to be quieter and less noticeable than older models, and they can become noisier as they deteriorate in condition. If the sound that your AC unit makes changes, becomes louder, or takes on a rattling or grinding noise, it is highly likely that it is damaged or nearing the end of its usable lifespan. If this is the case, it will certainly be less energy efficient than it once was.
If you notice any of the issues mentioned above, it might be a sign that it’s time for a new AC unit. To be sure, our team of highly trained and knowledgeable technicians can help diagnose the issue and determine what the best solution is for your home. When you’re ready to speak with a member of our team, give us a call at (702) 766-9436 or contact us here.