New High Energy Efficient A/C Units
Energy Efficiency A/C Checkup, Did you know that 90% of air conditioners exhibit some sort of energy-wasting problem?
Avoid over-cooling. Unfortunately, many buildings are far colder than necessary. For most people, 78°F. degrees is perfectly comfortable. Yet many homes and businesses crank the temperature down as far as 65°. You can save a lot of money by the simple act of setting your temperature higher. Going upward a single degree, in fact, can reduce your air conditioning bill by 3% to 5%. If you are not going to be home, raise the temperature to 85° or 90°. You can use a timer to automatically bring the temperature down to 78° just before you come back.
Insulate and seal your house. No matter how efficient an air conditioning system is, it can’t perform well in a house with insufficient insulation and poor sealing. Checking for leaky ducts is particularly important. A huge amount of energy–well over $100 a year–can be wasted if the ducts leak.
Keep your Air Conditioning unit clean. If you have a central air conditioner, have the condenser unit professionally cleaned at least every other year. Clean all registers and air inlets and outlets. This is important not only for efficiency, but to prevent buildup of dust and mold than can harm your respiratory system. Have a technician add a tune-up and inspection to the cleaning. Among other tasks, the technician will check your refrigerant level. If it’s low, you’re wasting as much as 20% of your air conditioner’s energy. Proper airflow is also critical.
Use other energy-efficient appliances. All electrical devices give off heat, so consider replacing old refrigerators and incandescent light bulbs. Unplug electronic equipment when they are not in use.
Consider your windows. Close drapes and shutters on windows on the sunny side of the house. If it’s time to replace your windows, get the double-glazed type with a coating that reduces heat coming in from the sun. Plant a tree. In the summer, a deciduous tree in front of your window will provide cooling shade. In the winter, after its leaves have fallen, it will allow solar energy to warm your house.
There are many steps that can be taken, not the least of which is ensuring your AC unit is a new energy efficient unit.
Give us a call today and we can guide you through the steps to having a more energy efficient home.
