How Do You Know If Your HVAC Unit Is Energy Efficient?

Posted on: Dec 24, 2015

So you have just installed a HVAC system. How do you know whether it is energy efficient? If you’ve had yours for long, how do you know it is still working in top condition?

Age

If you’ve had your system for longer than 10 years, you should be keener on its working as it is most likely that it is not as energy efficient anymore. Sealing ducts for example, tend to leak as they get old. These leaks should be sealed or the ducts replaced entirely.

Air Filter

Clean your filters often because they tend to trap dirt and dust. Change your filters at least every 5 months, or 3 months if possible.

Central Air Conditioner and attached components

Replace the indoor evaporator and outdoor compressor and condenser at the same time so that they are both working efficiently. Replace the furnace at the same time you replace your air conditioner. An old component will generally not work well with a new one.

Ratings

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) should be the highest possible. A guide to the ideal figure is described in AHRI Standard 210/240-2008.

Size of equipment

The right sized equipment will perform the job efficiently while conserving energy. The general however is, the smaller the better.

Installation method

The energy efficiency of a HVAC system can be reduced to upto 30% if not installed the right way. This means higher electricity bills for you, and less the comfort that you experience in terms of heat and cold levels.

Regular Maintenance Checks

You cannot always check each part of the system on your own. That’s why you need a HVAC specialist like Paschal Heat, Air and Geothermal to check and maintain them for you, especially just before the peak seasons of summer and winter. We check you central air conditioner’s drain for water and mold, clean the filters and furnace, inspect pipes and check refrigerant levels.

Again, remember that sometimes the problem is not with your system. It could be the sealing and insulation of the home itself. There could be air leaks that make the room colder or make cooling it during the hot months a problem

At Paschal Heat, Air and Geothermal, we stock and sell the most energy efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning systems. We are licensed and insured to install HVAC systems.