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Is Your AC Running Efficiently? Here’s How You Can Tell

An efficient AC is an asset in hot weather. When the temperatures rise, you will want to ensure that your equipment is up to the task. An inefficient AC won’t cool your house well, and you will also pay more for energy. Therefore, check your unit often to ensure it works at high capacity. How do you know that your AC is running efficiently? 

Good Running time

The easiest way to tell if your AC is working is by observing how it is running. When your system turns on immediately and reaches the preferred setting, it runs well. It should also turn off immediately. However, if the air conditioner runs continuously, it indicates a systemic issue. 

It implies that the AC is struggling to cool the interior. Increasing the number of people at home without updating the HVAC equipment and installation factors causes constant running. Check the thermostat’s batteries; if the batteries aren’t an issue, you should consult a professional.

Consistent Temperatures

An efficient AC cools the interior throughout the building at consistent temperatures. The AC unit’s role is to push conditioned air in the entire building. When there are temperature variations, the likely main cause is airflow blockage. 

Make sure the vents are always open by changing or cleaning the air filter. Heat gain from direct sunlight and hot summer may also overwork the AC, making it age fast and have various issues. Overcooling and undercooling lead to energy wastage. 

Consistent Bills

Review your utility bills from the AC carefully. Similar bills with little change from the AC indicate that it is efficient. Gradual increases in the bills show that the AC uses more energy. While the causes of the increasing bills can be different, the main issue is that your system is working harder than expected. When it happens, contact a professional to diagnose the problem. 

Aging of the AC

When you have recently acquired your AC, there are no efficiency issues. When the equipment marks ten years, it mostly reaches the end of its lifespan. It requires repairing more often, and you must constantly dip into your pockets due to increased wastage of energy. Even with minor changes, the energy could accumulate over time which is a problem.

Does the AC Make Your Home Humid?

An efficient AC removes humidity as the evaporator coils cool down the vapor and turn it into water. The water is then channeled through the drain pan. When the home is humid, the AC could be damaged. The main causes are the evaporator not cooling the vapor well and the refrigerant leaking. Dirt also reduces the capacity of the evaporator coils. The AC then overworks to maintain the preferred humidity. 

Monitor the Different types of Sounds

An efficient AC has a low, stable blowing sound. When the AC is noisy, it is faulty. The different types of sounds show the causes of the problem. Banging sounds indicate a loose part, which is hazardous as it can cause a fire. 

Clicking noises show that something is blocking it, and the thermostat might not be working. Squealing indicates friction in your AC. High-pitched noises show that the AC is worn-out. Consulting a professional is vital to help in replacing the damaged parts.

Ways to Check Whether your AC is Running Efficiently and Maximize Efficiency

1. Inspect the Air Filter

The air conditioner filter is crucial in enhancing its efficiency and air quality. If the air filter is clean, the AC is efficient. A dirty and clogged filter usually causes inefficiency. It would help if you considered changing the filters every three months, at least even when they do not show a problem. If you are unsure how to replace and check them on your own, consider scheduling a replacement with a technician.

2. Check the Fan and the Compressor

While outdoors, it’s a good time to check your AC fan and compressor. Inspect the fan’s motor carefully while looking for signs of damage. If the fan is running well, then the AC is efficient. Slow-rotating blades and continuous rotation of the blades indicate a problem. You will need to unscrew the condenser panel to check better. Fixing it is vital as it affects the way it runs. 

3. Monitor the Thermostat

The thermostat shows the temperature on your premises. It further signals the AC to run until you attain the set temperature. It then helps the system to shut down. When the thermostat has a problem, the entire equipment will be inefficient. 

Always be watchful of the low power warning of the thermostat. Placing it in direct sunlight also affects the efficiency of the AC. Ensure you change its batteries and have a professional place it in a central location away from heat sources. 

4. Measure Your AC’s Temperature

 In detecting if your AC is working efficiently, you will need a thermometer to test its temperature. Please turn on your AC and leave it for some minutes. To obtain the best results:

The AC is efficient if the air produced is at least 15 degrees colder than the air taken in going out. If the temperature is out of this range, there is an issue. 

5. Examine the Drain Line

A clean drain line enhances the working capacity of your AC. In contrast, a clogged line leads to inefficiency. When much water collects in the drain line, the AC shuts down before you can get the desired temperature. The presence of water leads to the growth of mold. 

 Your unit then circulates spores that can lead to respiratory conditions. When you detect blockage, turn the AC off and suck it out. Then rinse it with vinegar to destroy the bacteria. Ensure you often drain water from the drip pan. 

6. Inspect the Blower

The AC blower helps circulate air to remove the warm air inside and blow cool air into the vents. The blower will be functional if you hear or notice the fan moving and there is air on top. When the blowers are not moving, the AC is faulty. You need to contact a professional to detect and fix the problem.

7. Check the evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil helps draw heat and moisture from the inside to allow cool air circulation. A clogged evaporator reduces heat absorption, and the unit struggles to maintain the set temperature. The moisture from the air may also freeze on the coil and stop it from working efficiently. Ensure you clean the coils or seek assistance from certified professionals. 

8. Check the Temperature for Every Room

An efficient AC maintains a steady temperature in all rooms. When you notice some rooms are warmer than other rooms, your AC is faulty. The wrong size of the AC may lead to variation. Small sizes may make it struggle to work, while a bigger one cools the space rapidly and then shuts down. 

A poorly insulated building also causes the variation as the holes to allow air to escape leading to inefficiency. In such a case, contact a professional to detect the problem with your AC to ensure your AC Unit running efficiently.

Tony Kelly: Your AC Efficiency Expert

When your AC is not running efficiently or you need maintenance, contact Tony Kelly Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer solutions for your AC unit. Our company provides AC installation, maintenance, and repair services in Tallahassee, Florida, and the surrounding regions. We have the requisite skills and years of experience to diagnose the problem and deliver outstanding results. The Tony Kelly team is committed to your satisfaction and believes in excellence in all work areas. Do you need any HVAC Services in Tallahassee, FL? Call us today.

published on Saturday, October 15th, 2022