3 Ways To Tell If Your Air Conditioner is Energy Efficient

Spring has arrived in Wendell, NC, which means scorchin’ hot weather is just around the corner. If you're concerned about the cost of keeping your home comfortable during the upcoming summer months, it might be time to consider upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioning unit. But how do you know if your current system is energy efficient? In this post, we'll share three ways to tell!

Look for the Energy Star label

One of the easiest ways to determine if your AC unit is energy efficient is to look for the Energy Star label. This label indicates that the unit has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines. Energy Star-certified air conditioners generally use 15-20% less energy than standard models, which can add up to significant savings on your energy bills over time.

Of course, high-efficiency models tend to cost more upfront than standard models, so it, like everything, is a tradeoff and it’s up to you to determine what’s right for your family.

Check the SEER rating

Everyone loves a good steak cooked hot and fast over blazing hot coals to render a perfect crust on the outside and tender meat on the inside. But that’s (unfortunately) not the type of sear we’re talking about today. We’re actually talking about a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which measures the cooling output of an air conditioner during a typical cooling season divided by the energy it consumed in watt-hours. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is. In general, an AC unit with a SEER rating of 14 or higher is considered energy efficient.

Assess your energy bills

Finally, probably the most practical way to determine if your air conditioner is efficient is to assess your energy bills. If your energy bills have been consistently high (or higher than you’d prefer), it might be worth taking a look at some more efficient options. Alternatively, you might need to schedule some seasonal maintenance to make sure your unit is in good condition, its coils are clean, and its moving parts are properly lubricated. You’d be shocked at how much the smallest components can affect your energy efficiency! 

Contact All Hours Heating and Air for Help

If you're unsure if your unit is energy efficient, or if you're ready to upgrade to a more efficient system, contact the experts at All Hours Heating and Air. Our team can help you determine the best HVAC unit for your home. We can also provide maintenance services to ensure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and get ready for a cool and comfortable summer season!