How To Improve The Efficiency of Your Air Conditioning System

Having an inefficient air conditioning system in your home not only affects the air quality and general comfort indoors, but it will affect your wallet as well. Nobody wants these! As a homeowner, you want to be comfortable in your own home during the summer without having to pay an extra amount of money for it. But the thing is, all these don’t happen out the blue. You, as the homeowner, have to take a number of actions to enhance the efficiency of your AC system. But before we look at how you can improve the efficiency of AC, let’s understand a couple of other things first.

First, do air conditioners lose efficiency?
The answer to this one is a big yes! See, maybe you have noticed that your AC is kind of faulty and that it is not as efficient as it was once, and you don’t know what is happening with your system. If you are one of these individuals, then you should know that your system is losing efficiency - as there is no other description for these. And you know, there are a number of factors that could have resulted in this. They include:

• Dusty evaporator and condenser coils – dust and debris accumulate in the condenser and evaporator coils over time, inhibiting the effective transfer of heat throughout the home.
• Clogged air filters – if the filters in your AC unit get clogged, they restrict proper airflow, which in turn results in a massive energy drain.
• Improper maintenance – your AC system, like all the other appliances, needs to be regularly maintained for it to remain in shape and in good working condition. Failure to which will impede the ability of the system to perform efficiently.
• Air leaks – without a doubt, ductwork is among the most neglected parts of a cooling system. And when the ductwork becomes dirty or faulty, it can affect airflow in your home severely, even when the system is brand new.
• Old air conditioner – if your AC starts deteriorating even when it is regularly maintained, then it is a clear indication that the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. Note that an AC remains useful for a period of 10 to 15 years, after which it has to be replaced.

Can one test the efficiency of an AC unit?
If you are unsure of whether your AC is losing efficiency or not, you can test it to be sure. There are three tests that you can subject your unit to, which will inform you of the general performance of the entire AC system. They are as follows:

• During the day when the temperature is above 80 degrees, turn on the AC and let it remain for a minimum period of 15 minutes.
• Take a thermometer and place it on a supply register near the unit and leave it for five minutes or so, and then check the temperature.
• Repeat the process, and this time try it on the return vent

If the AC is efficient enough, it should be able to cool the air by 15-20 degrees from the outdoor temperature. If it doesn’t, then know that there is a problem somewhere. Note, this test doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hire a professional to carry out inspections on your system. If anything, the test only helps you to some extent, and you can’t rely on it for a long time.

So, how can you increase the efficiency of your home AC?
If your aim is to achieve optimal comfort from your AC unit, then you need to maintain it regularly. There is no shortcut when it comes to this. Anyway, here are the tips on how you can maximize the efficiency of your unit:

• Ensure that your vents are free from debris – the air supply vents are quite critical when it comes to ensuring steady airflow throughout the home. So, ensure that you check their status regularly, and vacuum any dust or dirt present. Also, ensure that there is nothing – like furniture, rugs, painting, etc. - blocking the vents.
• Shut the doors and windows – if the doors and windows are opened when the AC is on, then the cooled air may escape, which could lend the unit inefficient, or rather decrease its efficiency, thereby driving your utility bills higher. So, every time you turn your AC unit on, shut the doors and windows to ensure that the cooled air remains indoors.
• Clean the condenser unit – whenever the condenser is dirty or blocked by debris, it can’t work as efficiently as it should. This is why it should be cleaned regularly. Now, due to the complexity of this particular unit, rather than trying to clean the condenser, it will be better if you would leave this to professionals who rely on tested methods to ensure that the unit is running smoothly.
• Adjust thermostat settings – it is believed that raising the thermostat by 5 to 8 degrees in the summer enhances the efficiency of the AC system. And you know, you should try this with your system, and you will certainly see a difference. You will be able to save quite a good amount of money, especially if yours is a programmable thermostat that can be operated even when you are not in the house.
• Rely on professionals – the fact is, if your AC isn’t properly maintained, its efficiency is bound to decrease with time. Now, to prevent this from happening, it is imperative that you hire an AC technician to inspect and maintain your system regularly, which will guarantee the unit’s long lifespan and optimal performance.
• Essentially, your air conditioning unit is a critical part of your HVAC system, and maintaining it is the only way that would ensure that it performs efficiently, and also that it remains in perfect condition throughout the year.