As summers keep getting hotter and winters colder, you need to consider the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. An energy-efficient HVAC system does more than just save you money. It also ensures faster, more effective heating and cooling to maintain your comfort throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for savings on your power bill or want to be more eco-conscious, an energy-efficient HVAC system is vital. By understanding what makes an HVAC system energy efficient and what can interfere with this efficiency, you’ll be better equipped to know exactly when to call in the professionals.
SEER Rating
Your air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is an excellent guide to how energy efficient it is. SEER measures how much energy your AC spends to cool down the air moving through it. The higher the ratio, the better.
Modern air conditioning units must have a SEER rating of 14.5 or above to comply with U.S. Department of Energy guidelines. Some older systems don’t meet this new requirement, and if your system is old, it may be a good idea to install a new one. Not only will you spend less on your energy bill, but you’ll also save on the repairs that an aging AC needs.
You can find your AC’s SEER rating in the manual or by searching for your model number online.
AFUE Rating
The SEER rating applies to the cooling side of your HVAC system. Heating systems use the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratio to measure:
- How efficiently your furnace burns its fuel
- How much of this fuel gets converted into usable heat
The current minimum acceptable AFUE is 90%, which means that 90% of the fuel’s energy gets converted to heat. However, it’s not unusual to find furnaces that achieve over 95%, resulting in a dramatic saving in energy costs.
You can find your furnace’s AFUE in the manual, on the plate on the cabinet, or online.
Reasons Your HVAC Isn’t Energy Efficient
Both SEER and AFUE ratings measure energy efficiency in ideal laboratory conditions. Unfortunately, you’ll never get that kind of performance at home since even relatively small factors can affect your HVAC’s energy efficiency.
Every HVAC system will slowly lose its operating efficiency as it gets older, which is why it’s important to consider replacements every 15 to 20 years. HVAC units will continue to get more efficient in the future. You can reap the energy- and cost-saving benefits by replacing your system when necessary.
While official ratings may not reflect real-world conditions, you can still expect a highly rated air conditioner or furnace to be more energy-efficient than your old model. If you’re seeing a spike in your power bill or notice that it takes longer to heat or cool your home, schedule an inspection and tune-up with a professional HVAC company to investigate the source of the problem.
Leaky Ductwork
HVAC ductwork transports cooled or heated air throughout your home. Poorly installed, leaky, or badly insulated ductwork can have a dramatic impact on your energy-efficient HVAC performance.
If you have frigid winters or scorching summers, consider insulating your ductwork. Insulation prevents heat transfer through the ducts, which can force your system to work harder than it needs to. Also, check your ducts for leaks or holes that can let unprocessed outdoor air into your system.
Interior Humidity
Your AC does more than just cool air down — it also removes moisture from the air. High indoor humidity can be a sign that your AC isn’t working as well as it should. Even worse, high humidity can put more strain on your AC unit’s coils, creating a vicious cycle that can damage your AC beyond repair.
HVAC Breakdowns
HVAC systems are complex systems with many different working parts. If one part breaks, it puts extra strain on every other part, resulting in a less energy-efficient HVAC system. If you have frequent breakdowns, it’s a good sign that your HVAC is under heavy strain, consuming more power to produce the same results.
Instead of paying for repeated repairs, consider investing in a new system. Not only will it save you money, but you’ll also benefit from having an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Long-Term Tips to Keep Your Energy Efficient HVAC System Running Perfectly
If you’ve just installed a new system, you want to keep it running optimally for as long as possible. By just following these simple tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system while keeping it energy efficient and effective.
Consider Your Outdoor Unit Location
Try to place your outdoor AC unit in a shady, clean spot. These units can get very hot, and on hot summer days, they can become less efficient if they’re dealing with outside temperatures.
Try to keep your outdoor unit in a spot with minimal vegetation. Leaves and debris will often get stuck in the blower, leading to a dramatic loss in efficiency.
Maintenance
The best thing you can do for your HVAC system is regular maintenance. Like a car service, it ensures that every part of the HVAC system runs perfectly and that there aren’t potential issues. Even the best HVAC system will suffer from wear and tear, and regular care will help keep it running in great shape for years to come.
Call SM Mechanical for Your Energy-Efficient HVAC System Today
If you’re considering upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC in Glastonbury, CT, look no further than SM Mechanical Services. We offer a variety of heating and cooling services for our customers, including
- Ductless AC installation and repair
- Furnace installation and repair
- HVAC maintenance
- Oil-to-natural gas conversions for furnaces and boilers
With over 15 years of experience serving the Glastonbury area, no HVAC job is too big or small for SM Mechanical. We are a family-owned, fully licensed and insured business. No matter what you need, we have the right solution for you.
To learn more about HVAC systems or how to keep your energy-efficient HVAC running smoothly, get in touch with SM Mechanical Services at (860) 296-5100 today!