Measuring Air Conditioner Efficiency and Why It Matters

At Davis Home Services, we are happy to serve as your local air conditioner repair experts in Cherry Hill. In addition to planning, installing, and maintaining modern systems, we ensure that your air conditioner efficiency levels are always up to par. Our maintenance service is a must for newer systems, and it’s even more vital if your existing commercial or residential unit is older.

What Is AC Efficiency?

In general, efficiency involves getting the most output from a given input. Therefore, air conditioner efficiency involves removing the most heat with the least amount of energy. This principle applies to smaller and larger units, but each type uses different metrics to assess efficiency.

For example, room units might use an efficiency metric called the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). However, central AC units typically use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Whichever size unit you settle on, understanding these measurements is key to enjoying increased comfort, savings, and cooling capability.

AC Efficiency Standards

As mentioned, common energy efficiency standards include the SEER and the EER. 

• SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is an efficiency measurement that compares energy input with cooling capacity. SEER measures these metrics over a seasonal timespan and considers weather and temperature fluctuations. By making measurements, SEER can simulate average weather patterns over a season.

• EER: Energy Efficiency Ratio works similarly to SEER. It also calculates how much cooling effect you get from electricity. Air conditioner makers test EER in controlled temperature and humidity conditions. This test environment makes this measure more helpful for evaluating room models.

When shopping for central air conditioning units, always choose models with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. When selecting room air conditioning units, choose EER ratings of 9.8 or higher. Manufacturer websites, Energy Star labels, and the printing on boxes should all display SEER and EER ratings. 

Keep in mind that Energy Star marked units have guaranteed strong efficiency. Remember that the higher the unit’s efficiency rating, the less energy it will use to do the same amount of work. Therefore, using models with high ratings translates into savings for you.

Issues with AC Efficiency

It may seem that some of these energy-efficiency standards are high. However, they are necessary for many reasons, including getting the most energy out of every home AC unit. 

Unfortunately, many existing units fall far short of these efficiency standards. These shortcomings lead to many problems that some homeowners may not foresee.

Poor Climate Control

An AC unit that doesn’t perform up to the standard will leave holes in your indoor climate zones. The unit may blow warmer air than it should and fail to control humidity levels. This situation can lead to worsening air quality conditions. 

A home with a warm and humid interior environment can negatively impact your comfort levels. Excessive moisture levels can also encourage mold or bacteria growth, which damage interior surfaces.

Unit Stays on Longer than Normal

Old or inefficient units will work longer and harder than is necessary. For example, a system that needs maintenance may take hours longer than required to reach a pre-set temperature. Then, it may have to stay on continuously to maintain that temperature setting. 

If you’re facing this situation, you may notice a sharp spike in your energy bills. Since heating and cooling are among the highest bills people face, keeping these bills to a minimum is a wise economic move. A proven strategy to reduce utility bills is having our professionals regularly monitor your system.

AC Unit Part Damage

Inefficient air conditioning units can do more than drive up your energy bills. Because they must run continuously, these units suffer from component breakage more often than they should. Continually replacing weak parts is an expensive prospect, and your comfort will suffer until a professional fixes them. 

Both single room and central air conditioning systems use similar physical parts to control your indoor climate. Some features in common include compressors, condensing units, expansion valves, and evaporators. Plus, modern systems have plenty of ducts, piping, electrical wiring, and logic control. 

Well-manufactured modern air conditioning units are quite durable. However, every part will fail over time. By maintaining overall air conditioner efficiency, you’ll keep your components in better shape over the long haul.

Maintain High Efficiency and Reap the Benefits

When you select energy-efficient AC units, you should significantly improve your home comfort. Your energy bills should also go down, and you will have a more durable unit. Plus, your unit should maintain optimal air temperature and flow without too much effort. 

Some other benefits of energy-efficient ACs are: 

• Personalized climate control: Many newer central AC systems offer smart thermostats. Accessible through apps on your phone or consoles, you can program smart thermostats with your temperature preferences. The AI program can then predict your preferred temperatures and set them automatically at different times.

In addition, some smart thermostat models work seamlessly with system hardware to further maximize efficiency levels. 

• Quieter operation: Modern room and central AC systems also consider sound pollution in their designs. Unlike rumbling and loud older units, the best newer models work quietly in the background.

• Greener technology: Modern energy-efficient air conditioning units can undoubtedly save you money, but they can do much more. Their greener technology can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

 If you have an older unit, you can extract more energy from it with certain strategies. A good place to start is getting a professional inspection from our experienced technicians.

We can look at your system from top to bottom. Our meticulous system analysis involves identifying proper sizing issues or problem components. We promptly take care of any problem we encounter. 

At Davis Home Services, our seasoned professionals are available for emergency calls and scheduled visits in Cherry Hill, Burlington, and the surrounding areas. For long-term air conditioner efficiency, check out our Total Home Care Club maintenance and learn more about AC installation services. 

Call us now at 844-226-9872 for a free consultation.