When done correctly, AC installation can significantly lower energy costs. Reduced utility bills are among the best perks of replacing an air conditioner. However, ensuring your AC is energy-efficient requires planning, the correct installation procedures, and following your air conditioning contractor’s usage and maintenance recommendations. Here are 12 ways to ensure your energy costs decrease after AC installation.
Finding a licensed, trained, and insured professional is the first step to having an energy-efficient AC. Before hiring a contractor, do your research. Check their credentials and experience in installing the type of system you need. Their reputation also matters, so look through online reviews and ask friends, neighbors, and family members if there’s an installer they’d recommend. Interview at least three contractors and compare each’s qualifications, professionalism, and pricing before selecting one.
No AC is one size fits all. The size of the unit must match your home’s square footage. Other factors, such as ceiling height, the number of windows, and how many people occupy the space, are also important. An HVAC professional will perform an in-home evaluation and load calculation before finding suitable units.
An incorrectly sized air conditioner can cause many problems. Too small a unit will run constantly and may not cool your home enough. An oversized AC may cycle on and off too frequently, which leaves little time to reduce humidity. It will also wear itself out and need more repairs. In any case, incorrect sizing will limit an AC unit’s efficiency.
Preparing your home and the area where your AC will go makes it easier for the installation team and helps the unit perform at peak efficiency. The following tips can help you get the most out of your investment:
The insulation within walls and ceilings keeps cool air inside and prevents hot air from getting in. If the insulating materials in your home are old, poor, or deteriorated, energy efficiency won’t be optimal, no matter the quality of AC installation. Your HVAC contractor should check the insulation to determine if it should be replaced, updated, or added to. Common types of home insulation include foam boards, fiberglass batts, and blown-in cellulose.
Air conditioning contractors have professional-grade equipment to test ductwork for leaks. A leak from a crack, hole, or loose connection can cause conditioned air to escape. As a result, your new air conditioner will work harder to compensate for the lost air. Duct sealing optimizes efficiency and often doesn’t require demolition, depending on the method used. But if your ductwork needs major repairs and is several decades old, your AC contractor may suggest replacing it.
The condenser unit is among the most important parts of your AC system. Where you place it is also crucial. Installing an outdoor unit in direct sunlight can overheat it while placing it in a tight area interferes with ventilation. To maximize the entire system’s efficiency, install the outdoor unit:
Integrating a smart thermostat during AC installation maximizes the unit’s efficiency from the start. You can set a cooling schedule and some models learn your habits automatically. Depending on the unit, you can monitor energy consumption and even control your air conditioner remotely. You can do so with your smartphone if you forget to turn it off before leaving. Or, you can lower the temperature so your home is cool when you arrive.
Zoning lets you control the temperature in different rooms and areas independently. One zone can be set cooler depending on an occupant’s preferences. Aside from improving comfort, zoning increases energy efficiency by not cooling unused or underutilized spaces. A zoned system is also designed to eliminate the risks associated with closing vents in a traditional central AC system.
Eco-friendly cooling systems are usually on the efficient side. They include high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. A heat pump is best suited for a warmer climate. Solar-powered units are also available. Aside from long-term energy savings, these systems reduce the release of greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
You can also lower energy costs after AC installation. For maximum comfort and efficiency, set the thermostat to 72℉ or 73℉. For each degree you increase the temperature, you can save 3% to 5% in energy while decreasing it further can increase energy consumption by as much as 10%.
Most newer ACs have an “Eco Mode”, which slows down the compressor to save energy. Also, look for air conditioner units with a higher Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). It is the ratio of cooling capacity to a system’s power output.
Close windows, shades, and blinds during the day to block sunlight. Otherwise, the sun’s rays can heat your home, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to compensate and keep things cool. Without the sun’s energy undoing the job it’s done, your AC can run more efficiently.
Your local HVAC contractor’s maintenance plan includes services needed for your AC to run more efficiently. Routine inspections, cleanings, and adjustments can prevent breakdowns, costly repairs, and early AC replacement. They can also prevent or address issues such as an AC that smells, short cycles, or is making noise.
A technician keeps a unit in top shape by cleaning the coils, tightening electrical connections, measuring refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, and calibrating the thermostat, among other tasks. However, you don’t have to wait for a professional to visit your home. Changing the filter as recommended, keeping vents clean, and ensuring no part of the system is obstructed can protect it and lower energy costs.
Trusted for high-quality AC installation in San Jose, CA, we provide top-of-the-line equipment. Our fully licensed contractors plan the installation process and advise you on the ideal model, ensuring your air conditioner lowers energy costs. They remove your existing AC unit and install the best quality components. The system is then tested to ensure there are no installation or performance issues. To get started and benefit from five-star service, lasting comfort, and energy savings, call (415) 223-1647 today.