If you're looking to purchase a new AC, multiple factors will determine how energy efficient it will be. Many people spend time looking at the energy efficiency rating of the unit itself. This is certainly a good place to start, but you'll need to consider more factors during the process.
Here are 5 factors that can influence how much money (in terms of utility bills) your new AC will help you save over time.
A programmable thermostat
The biggest reason why people incur high heating/cooling costs is because they don't control how long their unit is running. Many people turn their AC on and leave it running for hours on end, while others frequently turn the unit on and off, further driving up energy consumption.
A programmable thermostat can help you save significantly on heating/cooling costs. By setting a specific temperature for your home, the unit will automatically turn off when your desired temperature is reached. This is an important energy-saving feature.
Ducts and vents
Even an efficient and powerful unit will still rely on a network of ducts and vents to supply cool air to your home. If these ducts are clogged, dirty, or poorly sealed, you won't feel the full effects of your new unit. In turn, you may end up running the unit for too long and driving up your energy consumption.
After purchasing a new AC, make sure your ducts and vents are professionally cleaned, sealed and tested. You may also need to resize some vents to ensure that they're delivering enough air to every room. With properly functioning ducts/vents, you will enjoy significant energy savings.
Size vs. performance
To enjoy maximum energy savings, you need the perfect balance between size and performance. If you purchase a unit that's too big for the home, you will incur unnecessarily high running costs. If the unit is too small, it will strain to cool or heat your home.
Use your old unit as a guide to determine if you need a larger or smaller AC. Either way, make sure the unit's performance is top notch.
The compressor coil
The compressor is perhaps the most important performance feature on your AC. It contains the refrigerant fluid that cools warm air and redirects it into your home.
You need a highly efficient compressor that can generate cool air in a timely manner. When shopping for a new unit, make sure its compressor coil has enough capacity, durability and performance (simply put, make sure it's better than your old compressor).
Insulation in your home
How well your home is insulated will also affect the energy efficiency of your AC unit. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed and that your roof/floors don't leak air.
Contact an HVAC contractor to learn more about air conditioning installation.
