7 Factors That Impact Your AC’s Efficiency in Weston, FL

Air conditioning systems work extremely hard for your Weston, FL, home keeping you cool for most of the year. However, some factors can affect their efficiency. Maximize your AC’s efficiency with maintenance, proper installation, adequate insulation and strategic usage.

1. Maintenance

In general, we recommend that you get your air conditioner serviced annually. During a tune-up, we can check out various components, such as refrigerant levels, motors, belts, the thermostat and the compressor. Plus, we can swap out any broken parts, clean the coils and seal any leaks if necessary.

These tasks can play a significant role in helping you get the most out of your system. Without regular maintenance, air might not flow well through your system, and components may have to work harder than they should.

2. Location of Your Outdoor Unit

Where you place the outdoor unit of your AC system, also called the condenser, matters. A technician should install it in a spot away from direct sunlight, vegetation and structures that might interfere with air flow. If objects are too close, it may struggle to release heat, and direct sunlight could cause it to overheat and work less efficiently.

3. How You Use It

Your daily routine can affect it’s efficiency. If you turn your system off before leaving for the day, it will have to work extra hard to make your home comfortable in the evening. This excess strain can lead to inefficiencies.

A smarter course of action would be to keep your AC on even when you’re away. You can turn up the thermostat a few degrees to conserve energy, but don’t turn it off.

A programmable or smart thermostat can help you save a significant amount of energy. You can set them to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

Additionally, try not to place extremely high demands on your system. Setting your temperature too low in the summer may force your AC to run continually. This can potentially increase energy consumption and lead to premature failure of certain parts.

4. Insulation in Your Home

Taking steps to properly insulate your home can help with efficiency, too. When using your AC system, completely close your windows and doors to keep conditioned air in. Also, check if your attic has enough insulation to reduce energy loss.

5. SEER Rating

Some AC systems consume less energy than others. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and higher ratings correspond to greater efficiency. AC systems in Florida need SEER ratings of at least 15, with more efficient units typically having SEER ratings of 20.

6. Age of Unit

AC systems have the potential to last for a couple of decades, having a better chance of lasting longer if they’re regularly maintained. However, time can take its toll, especially given the demands many of us place on our systems here in Southern Florida.

If your AC is around 15 to 20 years old, it will usually lose efficiency. At this point, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss whether you’d benefit from a new, more efficient one.

7. Weather

We don’t have any control over this last factor. On extremely hot and humid days, your system will have to work harder to lower the temperature in your place. Every time you open the door, the hot air coming in will increase its workload.

You can reduce your energy consumption by strategically placing your AC system, maintaining reasonable temperatures and taking proper care of it. For services related to air conditioning systems in Weston, FL, please give us a call at HI-VAC Air Conditioning Service.

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