Month: September 2019

When it comes to your air conditioner (AC), a common term used in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business you are likely to see everywhere is your air conditioner’s SEER. But what exactly is SEER?

SEER

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—a rating system of the air conditioner’s cooling capacity to power input. In technical terms, it’s the ratio of the amount of cooling produced (in British Thermal Units, or BTUs) divided by the amount of electricity (in watts) used. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE) heating and cooling units use more energy than any other system in your Oro Valley, Arizona, home. So when you are in the market for a new air conditioner, you will want to pay attention to the SEER level of the different units you are considering.

The higher the SEER number, the more efficiency bang you will get for your efficiency buck. This translates to money you save in the long run on energy costs.

The DOE requires residential air conditioner systems manufactured after January 1, 2015, to have a minimum SEER based on their location in the country. The country regions were divided in North and South, with the South being further divided into Southeastern and Southwestern regions. Minimum ratings range from 13 to 14 SEER.

Previously all systems manufactured after January 23, 2006, needed to have a minimum SEER rating of 13 (with the exception of window units, being exempt from this law). Older air conditioners have a SEER rating of 10 or under. You can usually find your system’s SEER rating on the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide sticker on the outside of your unit.

Saving Money by Upgrading

If your system is 10 to 15 years old but continues keeping you cool in the summer, you might still want to consider investing in a newer unit. By upgrading to a modern, more efficient model, depending on your current unit’s SEER, you could save quite a bit of money annually on your cooling bill.

To illustrate, say your current system has a SEER rating of 9. If you upgraded to an air conditioner with a 13 SEER, which is the lowest efficiency available, your power consumption would be reduced by 28 percent. Depending on how much you use your system and your cost of electricity, that could save you about $300 a year in energy costs.

The DOE has accessible online energy-efficiency calculators you can find to help you predict the energy costs you will save with different units carrying various SEER ratings. If you would like a more precise analysis, call ACS Air Conditioning Services, and we would be happy to send one of our knowledgeable technicians out to go over the possible savings with you.

Which SEER Is for You?

To carry the Energy Star® label, an air conditioner must be in the top 25 percent of efficient models and have a minimum SEER of 14. But automatically purchasing an air conditioner with a higher SEER is not the go-to answer. Unfortunately, things are not that cut and dry.

The SEER rating represents the potential efficiency of the unit under perfect conditions. Much of the system’s efficiency depends on the right sizing of the unit for your home, along with correct installation and an evaluation of other factors as well. For example, your ductwork and windows may have leaks, thus directly affecting your energy savings.

Also, keep in mind your air conditioner does not operate within a vacuum. It’s directly tied to your furnace or heating system. Depending on what equipment you presently have and its age, this definitely factors into your air conditioner’s SEER rating.

Even though your proposed new unit has an 18 SEER, once married to your current furnace, the SEER may decrease to a 15 or 16. What you need to aim for is the right-sized equipment operating at its optimal ratings within varying conditions for the best savings and comfort for you.

Contact Us for Your Air Conditioning and SEER Needs

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we have specialist technicians here in Oro Valley, AZ, who calculate these various factors when proposing the optimal system for your home, comfort, and budget. Give us a call at 520-230-5668 or request service online, and we would be happy to help you with any of your air conditioner needs.

When the weather gets really hot in Tuscon, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner. Many common problems with air conditioning systems can arise. Our team at ACS Air Conditioning Services wants you to be aware, prepared, and ready to solve these air conditioning issues so you and your family can stay cool year round.

Inconsistent Cooling

Do you find some of your rooms are too cold while others are still on the warm side? Many Arizona homeowners have trouble with inconsistent cooling. While factors such as the age and design of your home can cause these consistency issues, you may also have a leak in your duct system. One of our trained professionals can come and inspect your air conditioner and duct system and suggest solutions to this problem.

Failure to Cool

If your air conditioner is simply blowing warm air, you may want to check simple things like your filter. Dirty filters can prevent your system from functioning properly and are easy to change. They can also decrease the efficiency of your system.

In fact, you can save between 20 and 50 percent of the energy used for your air conditioning by changing your filter in combination with other energy-saving actions.

In some cases, you may need to clean condenser coils or have one of our professionals come out and add refrigerant to your air conditioner due to a leak in your system. Other mechanical failures may cause cooling issues as well.

One way to ensure your air conditioner is ready for the season is to have regular maintenance performed. One of our highly trained and experienced professionals can conduct a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune-up to be sure all system components are running well.

No Air Movement

When you place your hand on a room’s register and feel no air blowing at all, even though your air conditioning unit is turned on, you may have a broken fan or thermostat, or a tripped breaker.

It’s easy to fix your tripped breaker on your own, and you can inspect your unit to see if you notice the fan is running or not. Other less common issues may be a bad blower belt or wiring issues, which may require a professional.

Ice Accumulation

You may notice that ice is accumulating around your air conditioning unit at times. Many situations can result in your air conditioner freezing up. Check to be sure you have good airflow through and around your air conditioning system.

Dirty air filters, closed dampers, or blocked vents or ducts can restrict airflow. If all of these areas seem clear on visual inspection, you may want to call our trained team to conduct a more professional check of your system.

Strange Noises

By being aware of what your air conditioning system usually sounds like, you will notice more quickly if something seems amiss. If you hear strange noises, they can be cues something needs to be repaired or replaced.

Squeaking sounds usually indicate problems with your air conditioner belt, which may need realignment or replacement. If you hear grinding sounds, you may need to inspect the motor’s bearings. Other noises may be easier to remedy, such as rattling can simply indicate a loose cover.

Odd Operation Patterns

In nearly all weather conditions, your air conditioner should kick on at a certain temperature, run for a while, and then shut off. If you find your air conditioner is constantly running or seems to cycle on and off too frequently, you need to address these issues.

If your air conditioner never takes a break, you may have an issue with the fan, refrigerant level, or relay switches. This may require a professional visit from a member of our team to diagnose and repair these issues.

A system that constantly turns off and on may indicate a dirty or blocked condenser unit or evaporator. A thorough cleaning can help solve this issue.

Contact Us Today

If you find yourself with air conditioner problems you can’t resolve, contact our knowledgeable professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tuscon, Arizona for help. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today for any of your air conditioning needs.