The efficiency of your HVAC system has a significant impact on your monthly energy expenditures in Dunedin, FL. Furthermore, efficiency may influence how pleasant each space in your home feels. Let’s look at several factors that influence HVAC efficiency.
1. Ratings
Your unit’s ratings may appear to be a jumbled mess of letters and numbers. However, these pairings mean something.
The SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the most frequent rating used on HVAC equipment. When the SEER grade is greater, the unit consumes less energy to heat and cool your house.
Units with greater SEER ratings are costlier; however, reduced utility expenditures usually offset the higher cost. Other ratings are the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor which evaluates a heat pump’s heating efficiency, and the AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which rates a furnace’s fuel consumption and efficiency.
2. Age
The age of your heating and cooling system is one of the most important factors to consider. Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of roughly 15-20 years, and once that time comes, your unit’s efficiency will begin to diminish. If you’ve owned your air conditioner or furnace for over a decade, it’s time to consider replacing it.
You won’t just pay more in monthly payments if you continue to use the inefficient method. You’ll also begin to encounter issues that necessitate fixes.
Outdated systems rely on components that are more difficult to locate and costlier to repair. As a result, it may not be worth the money to fix a system that’s over 10 years old.
Parts will deteriorate and fail more frequently. As a consequence, you’ll wind up spending more on different maintenance services than you would on buying a more efficient, current model.
3. Positioning
When you expose your thermostat to direct sunlight, it will not provide correct temperature measurements to the unit. Some thermostats have been installed on walls that receive a lot of sunlight throughout the day. It may be best to relocate the thermostat, but if not, be sure to close the drapes to avoid this sunlight falling on the thermostat.
When your thermostat is set to a higher setting, your air conditioner will operate for longer periods to try to decrease the interior temperature, wasting more energy. If your thermostat is not under direct sun but still appears to be measuring the temperature wrong, you may need to replace the device.
4. Size
The size of an HVAC unit has an influence on its overall efficiency. When your system is too large, it runs for shorter periods, resulting in uneven heating or cooling. A small HVAC system will operate for extended periods to attain the desired temperature, wasting a lot of energy.
Only when an authorized HVAC professional has installed an air conditioner or furnace will it attain its AFUE or SEER rating. Poor installations or improperly sized units might void your warranty and cause a variety of energy and comfort issues.
5. Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filters are critical to its performance. As air circulates through the system, it passes through the filters. Following that, the filter eliminates dust, dirt, pollen, dander, pet hair, and other contaminants.
This helps the air circulate more freely and prevents impurities from collecting and accumulating in the ducts. With dirty air filters, your unit will run inefficiently, and the quality of your indoor air will deteriorate.
6. Outdoor Weather
The weather outdoors has an influence on how effectively your HVAC equipment operates. High temperatures and moisture tend to find their way inside when it’s very hot or humid outdoors.
Keep your windows and doors tightly closed throughout the hot summer months to prevent allowing hot, moist air into your Dunedin, FL house. You may want to check and see if weather stripping would be beneficial. Reduce some of your dependency on your air conditioning unit by using ceiling fans.
Contact us at Pinellas Comfort Systems if you’re searching for a more energy-efficient HVAC system for your house. Our service technicians can assist you in locating a unit that’s right for you.
You can also rely on us for your home’s air conditioning, heating, HVAC maintenance, ductless AC, and indoor air quality needs. We can assist you in increasing your energy efficiency and lowering your monthly electricity expenditures.
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