As the summer cooling bills start to come in, you may wonder if your HVAC system in Staunton, VA, is as energy-efficient as it could be. You may have had your system installed recently but “new” does not always mean “efficient.” Here is a quick look at what drives your HVAC system’s efficiency.
The Efficiency Rating of Your Air Conditioner
An air conditioner’s efficiency is measured by its SEER rating. SEER is a mathematical formula that essentially shows how well the air conditioner converts electricity into cooling. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.
If you have an old AC unit, it’s probably not as efficient as a new unit would be. However, not every new unit performs as efficiently as it should. To do so, HVAC systems need to be properly designed and installed.
The Size of Your Air Conditioner
The proper size for an HVAC system depends on a variety of factors. A bigger unit is not always the best option. If your AC unit is too big it can short-cycle. Short-cycling can create temperature fluctuations throughout the house and prevent the AC unit from helping to regulate indoor humidity levels.
During the system’s startup is when the unit uses the most power. This means that all the excessive starting and stopping wastes a considerable amount of energy On the other hand, too small of an AC unit will struggle to get your house cool even if it runs constantly.
How Well Your System Is Maintained
Even an energy-efficient system that’s been correctly designed and installed can lose efficiency over time if it is not maintained properly. Staying on top of annual maintenance visits will go a long way towards keeping your system running as efficiently as possible.
If you’re considering new AC installation, call the experts at Valley Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. We’ll be glad to discuss what’s going on with your system, answer any questions you might have, and help you figure out the most cost-effective solution.
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