Last updated on July 1, 2022
Using air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings has become as common as using a ceiling fan these days. If you are using these in your home or workplace in Australia, it is obvious you would want them to perform at their best for effective cooling throughout the day.
At the same time, you are also conscious of the increased energy bills that you will have to pay as a result of air conditioning service and repair. It is an area where the efficiency of your AC unit comes into play. The higher the EER (energy efficiency ratio), the more efficient the air conditioner is.
Even if you are using an air conditioner with a higher EER rating, there are many other factors affecting its efficiency. This blog discusses such factors so you can learn how to derive the best out of your HVAC unit.
1. Lack of Maintenance. It is probably the most common factor for the dismal performance of AC units across the globe. Just like any machinery, your AC unit also needs to be serviced at regular intervals by licensed technicians to detect any flaw in its performance & efficiency.
Regular maintenance will ensure smooth, optimal efficiency year after year. You can miss out on small problems that your unit has developed, and these can convert into bigger issues with time. As a result, the efficiency of your AC can significantly decrease.
Make sure you get it serviced at regular intervals from certified air conditioning specialists and follow maintenance tips mentioned in the owner manual.
2. SEER Rating. You might be using an old air conditioner that is low on cooling efficiency but consumes more energy, which automatically leads to high utility bills. Did you care to check the SEER rating when you bought it? Perhaps not!
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced by the unit and the number of electricity units used. Higher the SEER rating, the greater the cooling efficiency of the AC. The minimum SEER rating that air conditioners can be manufactured with, today is 13. Older ones may have a score of 10 or even less.
There are units produced with ratings higher than 13 as well, thus resulting in more cooling efficiency at less consumption of energy. Do not forget to check this crucial factor that determines the cooling efficiency of your AC unit.
3. Sizing. Size does matter when it comes to your HVAC system. Are you using the right size AC unit for your home or office space? Improper sizing will only lead to inefficient results, leaving you and others unsatisfied with cooling.
When a unit is too big for your home, it is consuming units you don’t need to use. It’s simply a waste of money. Homes with small units need air conditioning/heater repair services often because it has to work harder than usual to produce effective cooling.
When planning to buy a new unit, make sure to consult with the professionals who assess your site and recommend a suitable sized AC unit.
4. Clogged/ Leaking Ducts. The air cooled by your AC unit is transported via air ducts to the rest of your home. If these are clogged or leaking, it will result in the poor distribution of air and inefficient cooling. Have your AC ducts checked by professional technicians at least once a year, depending on the frequency of usage.
Fixing gaps and cleaning out severe buildup is the best way to get the most out of your air conditioning system, improved air circulation, and cooling efficiency.
5. Low Thermostat Settings. The lower you set the thermostat, the more energy will be consumed by your air conditioner. Use a programmable thermostat for energy conservation when there is less demand for cooling in your home. Try to use reasonable thermostat settings throughout the season for lowering energy consumption..
Coming to a conclusion, five factors mentioned above play an essential role in determining the cooling efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Coalfields Climate Control is a leading service provider in the field of designing, installation, repair and maintenance of all air conditioning & refrigeration systems for residential and commercial buildings. We serve all areas of the Hunter Valley, Singleton, Cessnock, Newcastle and beyond.
