5 Ways to Test AC Efficiency
When the warm, muggy days in your East Texas home come, you want your AC unit to be in perfect condition. As such, it’s wise to check if your system is working well to determine whether it requires a tune-up. That way, you’ll ensure that the air conditioner is well-maintained and functioning properly, ready to keep you cool throughout the summertime. Here are some tips on testing the efficiency and effectiveness of your cooling system.
1. Check the Air Temperature Difference
An AC unit in perfect condition will release about 15-20 degrees cooler air than the air entering the unit. Check the temperature reading at the supply register close to the cooling equipment. After about five minutes, position the thermometer on the return vent. Deduct the first figure from the second one, and if it’s 15 or more, your machine is running properly.
If your AC unit releases air that’s 14 degrees cooler or less than the incoming air, it might be experiencing a refrigerant leak or have a faulty filter. Either way, it’s time to call an expert HVAC professional for an inspection and a maintenance check.
2. Examine Your Windows
Your house in Nacogdoches is prone to extra heat from the outside, especially in the summer months. Therefore, your air conditioner might be fighting a battle it’s likely to lose if you have windows that allow excessive direct sunlight indoors. That’s because the sunlight raises the indoor temperature and adds to the AC unit’s workload. Thus, your machine will work twice as hard to do the same job, plus the resulting air might not be cool enough.
Check which windows in your residence receive the most amount of direct sunlight daily to make certain that your AC unit is in top-notch condition. If you find multiple such windows, you might just have discovered the source of your cooling woes. Your air conditioner will thank you if you install shades or blinds on the windows to keep the hot sun at bay.
3. Inspect the Air Filter
An air conditioner’s filter is vital in ensuring its efficiency and enhancing your home’s indoor air quality. A dirty or clogged filter is usually among the top culprits of cooling inefficiency. The rule of thumb is that you should replace air filters every three months at a minimum, but some homeowners tend to act only when a problem arises with their air quality.
If the filters are dirty or clogged and you’re unsure of how to replace them on your own, you can schedule a replacement appointment even if it hasn’t been three months. A skilled AC maintenance specialist can replace your filter and have your machine running smoothly in no time.
4. Look at the House’s Insulation
Your AC unit might be buzzing all day like it normally does, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s energy-efficient. The ceiling and walls in your home may lack proper insulation, and your air conditioner could be struggling to keep the indoors as comfortable and cool as you’d like.
When there’s poor insulation, it translates to air leakages. That means you might be spending big bucks on air conditioning your backyard. It would be advantageous to get an expert to check your property’s insulation and perform any necessary installations to minimize leakage and, in turn, reduce your energy costs.
5. Scrutinize Your Home’s Air Vents
Blocked vents don’t just affect the air quality and airflow in your home; they also hinder your AC unit’s functionality. Tiny dust particles, such as pollen, hair, or spider webs, can get into the air ducts and circulate in the air running through the air conditioner. That can hinder the air filter from purifying the air and deter the HVAC system from functioning optimally.
It’s recommended that you clean the air vents every few months to increase airflow, ensure your house is dust-free, and promote overall family health. You might also increase your system’s lifespan, as it won’t need to work as hard to cool the air. Leave the cleaning work to the professionals who have the right tools and expertise for the job.
With an efficient air conditioner, you’ll reduce energy wastage and potentially save money spent on utility bills. Whether you require AC inspection, regular maintenance, or a replacement, trust skilled HVAC professionals only. Fortunately for Nacogdoches residents, you’ve got Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LTD.. We also handle plumbing works, drain cleaning, and sewer repair. Contact us today for more information about our services.
How can I determine if my AC unit is working efficiently?
You can check your AC unit’s efficiency by measuring the temperature difference between the air entering and leaving the unit. A temperature drop of 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit indicates proper function. If the difference is lower, it may signal issues such as refrigerant leaks or clogged filters, necessitating professional inspection.