how to make an old ac unit more efficient

Posted: July 7, 2015Posted by: SOS Xtreme Comfort Air conditioning accounts for a huge percentage of the monthly utility bills. In fact, Americans spend billions of dollars every year on air conditioning. According to the Department of Energy, air conditioning residential and commercial spaces in the U.S. accounts for 5% of all electricity consumption. When properly chosen, however, modern AC units, such as the new Trane air conditioners, can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve comfort and safety. A high efficiency air conditioner is an investment in home comfort and safety. When conditions become muggy and uncomfortable, shutting off the AC might be the furthest thing from people’s mind. However, due to the high cost of running the AC unit, it would be a good idea to make it more energy efficient while it is on. Everyone loves air-conditioning during the scorching summer months. However, when it comes time to pay the utility bills, many people are left feeling depressed and angry with themselves.
The older AC units were appalling energy guzzlers, just as those old, rusty cars seen on the road are gas-guzzlers. An air conditioning system is a major expense that most homeowners do not plan for, even if there are visible signs of a failing system. Postponement and delays are understandable; however, at some point, it makes little sense to continue spending money on repairs and replacements for an old AC system that has already outlived its lifespan. People who need some reassurance that they are making a wise investment when they purchase the new Trane air conditioners should take it from the U.S. Department of Energy. The advantages of buying a new Energy Star AC unit are varied, numerous, and downright impressive. AC systems are rated according to their SEER ratings. Older systems have ratings of six or less, while the minimum SEER rating allowed today is 13. According to the Department of Energy, this disparity means that new systems can use 20% to 40% less energy than systems that are only 10 years old.
Homeowners should also consider how long it would take to recoup their investment in a new air conditioning system. For many, it takes only a few years, especially if they ensure that their ductwork is secure and sound and their home is well insulated.ac motor control circuit Modern high efficiency AC systems feature variable speed motors that work to remove impurities from the air and ensure consistent airflow. 6 ton ac unitThis means that homeowners are likely to enjoy better air quality and more regulated temperatures. covers for wall ac unitsThey also operate quietly, as opposed to older systems. In addition to running more efficiently at a cheaper cost, new AC systems are also leaving their mark on the environment. They are a greener, safer form of cooling.
Homeowners looking to upgrade their cooling system should consider investing in a high efficiency Trane air conditioner. To learn more on the benefits of installing an energy efficient air conditioning unit, SOS XTREME Comfort® will gladly answer any questions that you might have. SOS XTREME Comfort® is available 24/7 and our quality service is guaranteed. Stay cool while saving money this summer and give us a call today!3 Easy Ways to Make Your Air Conditioning More Energy-Efficient This Summer by Jennifer Sternberg, 07/01/14 With the muggy conditions in NYC right now, shutting off your air conditioner might be the furthest thing from your mind – but why not at least make it more energy-efficient while it’s on? If you think about the fact that there are over 3,000,000 households in New York City, and many of them are running their ACs at the same time, you can imagine how much electricity is necessary, putting immense strain on our grid. If you want to chop down your summer utility bills and do your part to conserve electricity, the folks over at NYC Air Conditioning Repair Company have 3 simple tips to help you save energy this summer.
Read on to see them all. Buy a High-Efficiency AC Unit Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to actually replace a unit, rather than constantly having it fixed. Older units tend to use more energy. If you buy a high-efficiency unit you can save 20-50% in cost and energy usage! For central air, make sure your unit has a SEER rating of 14 or better and for a window unit, an EERE rating of 10.7 or better. Install an Accurately-Sized AC Unit It’s very important to make sure your air conditioning unit is the correct size for the room or rooms it is intended to cool. A person with a size 10 shoe wouldn’t buy sneakers that are only a size 6, right? If your unit is too large or small for your home, it will not run efficiently, waste energy, and cost you lots and lots of money in energy bills or repairs. By having a certified technician come in and assess what size unit your home needs, you can save energy and money immediately. Put In A Programmable Thermostat New Yorkers can save and average of $180 a year in energy costs with programmable thermostats that allow you to time different temperatures throughout the day and night.
For example, you can set it to turn off while you’re at work, cool your home right before you get home in the evening, etc. Hopefully our tips have been helpful. Please visit Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating for more energy and money saving information.While on the surface it may seem expensive, a new heating and air conditioning system is far cheaper in the long run. New air conditioning and heating systems can last much longer and are far less costly to operate. Increased Home Resale Value - One of the biggest investments that most people make is when they buy their home. Part of the home's value is the air conditioning and heating system. When a home is resold, one of the more appealing aspects of any perspective home, is an updated and energy efficient air conditioning and heating system. A new system will help to ensure that your home has the highest appeal to perspective buyers. State-of-the-Art Design - Most contemporary air conditioning and heating systems are designed to meet the most demanding uses.
With constant advancements in electronics and motor technology, modern units operate much more efficiently than the historical counterparts. Equipment Protection Plans - During the purchase of a new system ask your HVAC company sales representative if they offer extended warranty protection plans. While there is an initial expense to these plans, they act as insurance in the event that something happens to your unit after the manufacturer's warranty expires. Less Environmental Impact - Most older AC units utilize R22 refrigerant. The Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that all new units or units that have had their refrigerant replaced, be fitted to use 410A. This new formula has been proven to do far less harm on the earth's fragile ozone layer. As the new units are more efficient, they use far less energy causing less taxing on your community's power grid. Longer Unit Life Span - When you replace your existing system, the newer one can be expected to last much longer.
With improved motor control systems and the ability to precisely control the temperature within the living space, newer units are on for a shorter period of time. This means that the mechanical components will naturally last longer. Quieter Operation - New systems have been specially designed to reduce both fan and motor noise. Through better motor design and special insulation techniques, newer systems will operate much quieter. Higher Air Flow Efficiency - Specialized plenum designs, newer ducting systems and improved vents all combine to create a more efficient air delivery method. Specialized duct sealing and careful installation will help to reduce operating costs and improve unit efficiency. High-Tech Thermostats - Within the past few years cellular technology and the proliferation of the internet, has made it easy to control appliances from a remote location. The more high-tech thermostats that are available today will allow you to monitor the temperature within your home or office and than allow you to change it accordingly.
Better Environmental Controls - Newer system control boards and better unit designs mean that the air temperature can be precisely controlled and automatically monitored. This control translates into the unit not having to work as hard which means that it will be much more efficient. And the number one reason for replacing your old air conditioning and heating system is... Much More Cost Effective - Newer and higher efficiency units will save thousand of dollars in electricity and fuel costs over their lifetime. Consider if you will, that most of the older systems operate nearly 65% of AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) which means that the remaining 35% is wasted money. Newer units have a much higher AFUE rating with 90% efficiency being within their specifications. By now you should see why it makes much more sense to retire your old worn out air conditioning and heating system in favor of a highly efficient model. If your still not convinced, take our FREE energy audit and see how efficient your home or business really is.