Energy Efficient Air Conditioner: How to Make The Right Choices
Even though it may not quite feel like it, spring is just around the corner. And with it comes spring cleaning and preparations for summer weather. If you remember how hot it got last summer in Utah, then you know how important it is to have an energy-efficient air conditioner in your home.
Most Utah homeowners have already added an air conditioner system to their homes. But if you don’t have an energy-efficient air conditioner, or if you want to upgrade an older air conditioner system, spring is a great time to do so.
But finding the right air conditioner unit for your home can be a bit of a challenge. With so many brands and types to choose from, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the right fit. And it’s important to pick an energy-efficient air conditioner that will keep you cool without breaking the bank. Even once you’ve selected an air conditioner you like, it's essential to keep up with yearly maintenance so it continues to perform well.
Crystal Clean Vents in Utah has years of experience cleaning air conditioners, ducts and vents. Our highly-trained team has learned a thing or two about how air conditioners cool a home. There are ways you can ensure it runs at peak performance throughout the summer months, keeping you and your family comfortable.
What To Consider When Buying A New Air Conditioner System
One or two window air conditioning units may work fine if you live in a smaller home or an apartment. But if you have a larger home with multiple floors, you’ll want the best central air conditioning unit possible to ensure everyone stays cool and comfortable. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Evaluate Your Home's Layout
Homes with multiple floors have different HVAC needs than houses with only one level. When you’re in the process of purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner, find models and brands that work well for the design and construction of your house. Your HVAC technician will show you how they intend to install your vents, ducts and air conditioning unit based on your layout, so you get the best performance possible when you need it most.
Square Footage
Smaller homes and apartments don’t require quite as much power to keep their space cool, even in the height of summertime. But if you have a large home, your energy-efficient air conditioner will need plenty of power to maintain the temperature throughout the entire house. Before you make your purchase, take time to estimate the square footage of your home. Then, calculate how much power you need to keep your air conditioner running.
Energy Efficiency
Finding a reliable, energy-efficient air conditioner that is cost effective and works well can be tricky. Be sure to look for the EPA Energy Star label, which will tell you how much energy your air conditioner needs. This label displays energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), so you can see how much it will cost to run the air conditioner throughout the day. Energy Star certified appliances are typically more energy efficient than those without this certification.
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Once you’ve found an energy-efficient air conditioner you like, it’s crucial to stay on top of maintenance. If you ignore ongoing maintenance, your air conditioner may underperform when you need it most. Or worse, it could break down. Here are some routine practices you should perform to keep your air conditioner in good working order.
Keep Ducts Clean
Your energy-efficient air conditioner might have to work harder than it needs to if there are dirty ducts blocking the cool airflow. Dust and grime often build up inside your air ducts throughout the year, so it’s vital to have them cleaned regularly by professionals. If you notice that your energy bill is higher than normal, you might be past due for a professional air duct cleaning.
Check For Pockets Of Warm Or Cold Air
If one room seems unusually warm or cool compared to the rest of your home, there could be an issue with your energy-efficient air conditioner or HVAC vents. Watch for hot or cold pockets in your home so you can address any issues with the ventilation system.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During the Winter
Your air conditioner has to endure plenty of harsh weather and exposure during the winter. Make sure your energy-efficient air conditioner stays safe and dry by covering it during the winter months. Keeping it covered lessens the chance of damage and can help prevent mold from developing.
Clean Your Air Conditioner In The Spring
When spring finally comes around, and you start seeing warmer days, it’s time to hire a professional to clean out your air conditioner. While you could clean an air conditioner on your own, technicians are trained to rid your air conditioner of any dust, dirt or mold in a safe manner. Regular cleaning will also ensure your energy-efficient air conditioner has a great lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
To Sum Up
While it may not be top of mind during the winter, finding the right air conditioner for your home is essential for any homeowner. And keeping it in good working order is just as important, guaranteeing you get the most bang for your buck. Treat your energy-efficient air conditioner just the same as you would any other home appliance. When you find one that’s right for the size and layout of your home, watch for signs of wear and always keep up with air conditioner maintenance.
We here at Crystal Clean Vents would be happy to help you prepare your home for the coming summer months. Our highly-trained technicians can help clean your vents, ducts and energy-efficient air conditioner. We're dedicated to helping our customers keep their homes clean and comfortable all year long. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our HVAC cleaning services.