4 Top Factors that Ultimately Determine HVAC Efficiency

March 6, 2020

Improving the energy efficiency in your Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, home requires more than turning off the lights when you leave a room. You also need to consider how much energy your HVAC system is using to keep your home comfortable. When it comes to improving the energy usage of your heating and cooling system, there are multiple factors to consider. Master these three factors of HVAC efficiency and reap the rewards.

HVAC System’s Size

Size plays an essential role in HVAC performance. If your system is too large for your home, the system will spend excessive time in its power-wasting startup phase, which results in short cycling. If the system is too small for the load of the home, the heater or air conditioner will spend excessive time attempting to reach the thermostat’s threshold, which it never does. Either way, poor sizing wastes energy. Our HVAC professionals can diagnose whether or not your system fits the load requirement of your home.

HVAC System’s Age

If your system is more than 20 years old, then it’s probably not efficient anymore. Your heating and cooling system should last you from 15 to 20 years, depending on a few factors. An inefficient HVAC system can result in high energy bills and frequent HVAC repairs.

It’s more cost-effective to purchase a new system because it will be more efficient than your existing one. Just make sure to pay attention to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating when you’re shopping for an energy-efficient system. The higher the rating, the more efficient your system will be.

Preventive HVAC Maintenance

If you don’t already have a preventive maintenance schedule, you should sign up for a plan. Just like your body needs a regular checkup by the doctor, you need a licensed technician to inspect your HVAC system at least once a year. Regular maintenance involves checking the system’s components and efficiency and fixing any problems.

Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality will cause your HVAC unit to work harder which will make it less energy efficient. Testing the indoor air quality in your home will help keep your family healthy and your HVAC system more efficient. Even something as simple as cleaning your indoor air handling units and outdoor compressors can help.

Tackle these factors that determine HVAC efficiency and you’ll have a healthier, more comfortable home and lower utilities. To learn more about our HVAC services and how to improve your system’s efficiency, call Air Doctor Services, Inc. today.

Originally published in December 2017, updated in March 2020