Getting the Most From Your AC System

If you have purchased a high efficiency air conditioner for your home, you need to know about the FACTS. What we are talking about are the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) FACTS.

These conditions will determine how close an air conditioner will perform to its tested rating in your home in comparison to the conditions that are produced in the laboratory when the unit is rated. According to the Dept. of Energy, neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.

Here’s what you need to know about the FACTS:

Field adjustments – These are the four areas that need to be evaluated so that your high efficiency air conditioner will perform according to its stated SEER.

Airflow – Low airflow will prevent the proper temperature change that should occur as air passes over the unit’s evaporator. This can be caused by factors including insufficient duct size or an air handler that is incompatible with your system.

Charge – Systems that are undercharged or overcharged suffer from reduced performance issues. The refrigerant level needs to be checked and corrected as needed during the installation and annual tune-ups.

Tight ducts – Before installing a new air conditioning system, any deficiencies in your ductwork should be corrected. Existing leaks can cause a reduction of up to 35 percent of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. If your ducts run through your crawl space or attic, warm and/or dirty air may be introduced into the ducts. One of the best ways to combat this is to have your ducts sealed.

Size – A system that is too small will need to work too hard and still may not cool your home sufficiently. One that is too big may keep your home cool during a heat wave, but for the rest of the season, it will be a drain on your home’s energy use. Inaccurate sizing leads to more money spent on energy and on repairs related to wear and tear on your air conditioner.

When it comes to the FACTS of keeping your high efficiency air conditioner running at its best, contact T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We have been providing Long Island homeowners with reliable heating and cooling systems they can trust for almost 80 years.

Image via Shutterstock.com