How Can An AC Company Make My Home More Energy Efficient? | San Antonio, TX
With energy prices going through the roof, homeowners are always looking for ways to reduce their energy spending. The AC accounts for about 12% of your home’s total energy expenditure. Ensuring your AC is more efficient can significantly reduce how much you spend on energy expenditure and save you a bundle in energy bills every year.
Making your AC more energy efficient doesn’t mean compromising your home’s comfort. An AC company can help improve your AC’s efficiency and make your home more comfortable than ever.
In this piece, we discuss how to improve your AC’s efficiency with the help of experts.
Cleaning or Replacing the AC Filters
It’s important to replace your AC filters every month or once every two months to reduce wear and tear on your AC and improve its efficiency. A licensed AC technician will check your air filters and determine if they should replace or clean them.
The accumulation of dust, pet hair, and other debris in the filter reduces airflow, forcing the AC to work harder to maintain internal temperatures. This strain on your AC system makes it highly inefficient, translating to astronomical energy bills. Cleaning or replacing the filters will improve its efficiency and spare your wallet.
Cleaning the Entire AC Unit
Aside from the filters, other parts of your AC need cleaning too, specifically the coils and fins. Falling leaves and dirt from mowing activities can easily accumulate on the outside unit and impede its airflow. This not only compromises its efficiency but also reduces indoor air quality.
A trained technician from an AC company will clean your entire AC system, including all the essential parts, to improve efficiency and increase energy savings. The technician will also inspect the unit for any damage or deterioration that could explain its low efficiency or performance issues.
Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bills. A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures for specific times throughout the day and night so your AC doesn’t operate at full blast throughout the day.
Programmable thermostats can also connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control your AC settings even when you’re away from home. Technicians from a reputable AC company will advise you on the best programmable thermostat for your home and arrange its installation.
Sealing the AC Ducts
The ductwork in your AC system is responsible for distributing air throughout your home. Unfortunately, it’s predisposed to cracks and gaps between connections that may reduce your AC’s efficiency. Sealing the AC ducts means closing off these crevices and small gaps to prevent air from escaping.
The AC company will inspect the ductwork for any damage and seal off the ducts to prevent air from leaking out and improve efficiency significantly. Doing so also improves air distribution throughout your home, so all rooms maintain the same temperature.
Insulating and Weatherizing Your Home
Insulating your home helps maintain indoor temperatures without having to overuse the AC. An AC company will install weatherstripping on doors and windows. The technician will also check whether the insulation’s R-value is up to code and, if not, suggest better options.
The weatherization process also includes caulking cracks on windows and doors and taping gaps around pipes going through walls. The AC company can help you choose the best products for weatherizing your home to get your money’s worth and save on energy bills.
Arranging Annual Inspections
Finally, an AC technician will inspect your entire system annually for any problems. This inspection is crucial for maintaining the system’s efficiency and ensuring it operates optimally. The technician will assess all the essential components, from the coils and fins, to prevent the onset of severe damage or malfunctions.
A typical AC inspection involves:
- Cleaning the coils.
- Checking the refrigerant levels.
- Tightening electrical connections.
- Inspecting all other components.
The technician will also advise you on any repairs or replacements that may be necessary to prevent downtime and future repairs. Periodic AC inspections guarantee efficient operation throughout your AC’s lifespan, saving you money on energy bills in the long run.
Install Shade for Your Outdoor Condenser
The outdoor condenser of your AC system is responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerant. Placing a shade over the unit can help reduce its temperature and prevent it from overheating, especially on hot summer days.
Installing a shade for your outdoor condenser also protects it from falling leaves and other debris that may clog its filters or damage the unit. A technician from an AC company will recommend suitable solutions for shading your outdoor condenser, ensuring it operates optimally and efficiently all year round.
Replacing Your AC with an Appropriately Sized One
Your AC’s size plays a major role in its efficiency. If your system is too small for your home, it’ll overwork itself and consume more energy than necessary to maintain indoor temperatures. On the other hand, an oversized unit will turn on and off frequently, resulting in short cycles that increase the unit’s wear and tear.
An AC company will recommend the best AC unit for your home, considering its size and level of insulation. The technician will also install the new system according to industry standards and inform you about its features and settings. That way, you can avoid inefficient AC systems that consume more energy and cause higher electricity bills.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Hiring a reputable AC company could make a world of difference in how efficient your home is. Doing so gives you access to skilled and experienced technicians who can help lower your energy bills, reduce wear and tear on your AC system, and ensure it operates at its best. They’ll also guide you on how to care for and maintain your AC for longevity and peak efficiency.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain + HVAC of San Antonio is the leading AC service in San Antonio, Texas. Our team of highly experienced technicians will help make your home more energy efficient. Contact us today, and we” help make your AC more efficient.
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