My Appliance Repair Blog

What Are AC Efficiency Ratings?

 While going to shop for the perfect central air conditioner, being in the dark about air conditioner ratings, called SEER ratings, can be a bit of a drawback. It is like going on a hiking trail without your hiking boots. You won't be able to make it that far.

In the case of AC ratings, each rating shows the cooling efficiency of the system.

You must know about SEER ratings before you go out in the market to purchase your AC unit.

 

Understanding SEER Ratings

 

The most commonly-used HVAC system in the states is the split AC (which also has international demand, by the way) or the heat pump system. These systems have a specific component on the inside - the internal component found inside a house called the evaporator coil or the handler, plus an outer compressor or condenser on the outside.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is applied to split ACs. From 13 to 25 (these numbers are US-only), SEER ratings are obtained by dividing the cooling output by the electrical power that runs the engines and the equipment.

Closer to 25, the unit has a good SEER rating. The further away and it is not as efficient.

 

Significance of These Energy Stars

 

So, how do these SEER ratings, or as we would like to call them: energy stars, affect the HVAC industry? Simple, manufacturers are not allowed to sell or in any way deal with split ACs that have low SEER ratings. Anything below 14 is bad and not to be dealt with. For these low-rating ACs to qualify to be bought and sold, they must obtain an above 15 SEER rating.

This was a seller's point of view. However, if you are a buyer, know that AC units with higher efficiency ratings can cost you more. While a homeowner wanting to buy a new split has every right to know how much a particular AC system will cool their home, they should also know that they should buy one that fits their needs and demands and not go for a unit that has a higher rating.

 

Let Us Help You Decide

 

If you run your AC unit constantly during the day and at night, you should invest in an AC unit with a higher SEER rating. As time goes by, the low operating costs will make paying the upfront extra bearable.

However, if you do not plan on staying in this current house of yours for more than a year or two, or you stay out of town more often than not, we would recommend that you do not invest in a split unit that has a higher rating. It is better to go for a low-rating unit instead. texascentralair.com

 

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EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_Petty/2234690

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What Are the Signs of a Failing HVAC System?

 One of the reasons that you are able to work comfortably in your workspace the whole day is the Commercial Heating and Cooling Cape Cod system. But for how long? The HVAC systems need regular care, repairs, and maintenance to keep the efficiency. When failing to do so, it results in the failure of the system. Everyone has to face the inconvenience of this system failure.

 

However, before failing, the system shows certain signs. You know about these signs and detect them. This will help you to take up the necessary steps to fix the HVAC system before it fails. Here are some such signs that could help you to detect the failing HVAC system. All you need to do is put your senses to good use for the detection of these signs.

 

It Is Noisy and Loud That Before

If the system is functioning smoothly, it does not make any strange sound, which makes it one of the easily detectable signs; if you hear the making a strange sound or is louder than before that it is in desperate need of maintenance and repairs. These sounds are the result of the loose parts, issues with the belt or more.

Power Fluctuations

While working on your computer or going to a presentation, if you frequently observed fluctuations in power like flickering lights, sudden jerks and more, it clearly indicates there is some sort of issue with the power supply or overheating of the system. Ignoring this sign could induce irreparable or expensive damage to the HVAC.

Visible Increase in The Energy Bill

One of the clear indications that the efficiency of the HVAC has been affected is the increased energy bill. When the system gets old and is not serviced regularly, the parts experience a large amount of wear and tear.

The efficiency of the system is reduced due to worn-out parts. The HVAC system would now require more energy supply to regulate the temperature of the workspace. The requirement of more energy supply means spending a good amount on energy bills.

 

Weird Smell

The reason for the smell could be many: burning smell, worn out parts, musty smell, rotten or more. Any strange smell that does not seem to go away even when using the room fresheners then it could be the vents, filter or the system.

Make sure that you get it inspected to know the exact reason of what the smell is from, as it can be even toxic sometimes due to the leaks from the system.

 

Failing To Maintain Indoor Temperature

Discomfort, irritation, reduction in the productivity of the employees, bad impression on the visitors, and more could be the result of the HVAC system not being able to properly regulate the indoor temperature.

If your workspace has several floors, you may notice the change in the temperature at the different floors that it is surely the system that is failing to keep the temperature regulated.

 

Increased Indoor Humidity

We all have noticed this at home; if something is wrong with the AC, the humidity in the room spikes up. The same is the case. The HVAC system, along with regulating the temperature, keeps the humidity in check by removing it. If you feel your skin is too sticky than usual, that is because of the excess indoor humidity.

Failing an system could cost you expensive repairs, and sometimes it needs to be replaced. Better to keep an eye on these signs along with regular inspections, repairs and maintenance.

 

Keep your Commercial Heating and Cooling Cape Cod effective for a longer period by getting the HVAC system maintained by Empire Engineering. We know each underlying issue of HVAC that is affecting the heating and cooling in the commercial space. We will make sure that the temperature of the commercial space is such that it increases the productivity of your employees.

 

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EzineArticles.com/expert/Krish_Smith/2941770

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How to Tell If Your Air Conditioner Is Running Efficiently

 If you live in a climate where the temperature goes up frequently, then an AC can make the living conditions much more pleasant and comfortable. As is the case with many pieces of technology, an AC also loses if proper functioning after a period of use. It is essential that you keep on gauging the efficiency of your AC so that if issues arise, they can be rectified before it's too late.

 

Here are some tips on how to tell if your air conditioner is running efficiently.

 

Prepare your AC for testing

 

You should replace your furnace filter and then remove all vent coverings. This is necessary to ensure that airflow is smooth and not restricted. Just pull out the loose vents or use a tool to pull out any tight-fitted covers. Sometimes you might need help from an AC maintenance company if you need to remove the vents which are placed in an outdoor unit. They can do this job more efficiently and safely.

 

Determine the different ducts of the AC

 

You should know which are the supply and the return ducts in your AC. In order to determine this, place a tissue over each duct. If the tissue starts flying away from the duct, then that is your supply duct, whereas if the tissue paper is sucked in, then that is your return duct.

 

Check the Temperature of Both Ducts

 

You can do this in some very simple steps. Turn on your AC, and let it run for at least 15 minutes. Then take a thermometer and place it inside the supply duct. Check if the thermometer is below the current room temperature to ensure a correct reading. You can use any thermometer, even a refrigerator thermometer will work. Remember that the supply duct is that part of the AC that throws cool air into your room. Keep the thermometer over there for 10 minutes. Note down this temperature.

Now go to the second step and keep the same thermometer on the return vent, again for ten minutes. As said before, the return vent is that part of the AC which pulls in the room air and delivers it to the HVAC system. Note this reading too.

Now subtract both the readings to calculate your results.

 

Results Will Tell the Efficiency of Your AC

 

If there is a difference of 20 degrees between your supply and return ducts, then your AC is working fine. But if this temperature is less than 20 degrees, then this can tell you that your AC is not working efficiently. There can be many possibilities of this problem. One may be that there is a leak in the system, or another may be that you need to replace the HVAC filter.

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EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_Petty/2234690

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