How to Tell if Your AC System in Walnut Creek, CA, is Efficient

An efficient air conditioner should serve your household without consuming excess energy. If you know the warning signs of trouble, it’s not difficult to tell whether your AC system is energy-efficient. Here are some indicators that show whether your air conditioner in Walnut Creek, CA, saves energy:

What’s the AC System’s SEER Rating?

If you want to install a new AC system, always find out its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating before making the purchase. The SEER considers your system’s ability to use electricity efficiently to cool your house. A higher rating means more efficiency for your system. The lower the rating, the less efficient the air conditioner. A professional can help you determine which SEER rating is best for your home’s cooling system.

You’ll see SEER ratings of 13-22 with modern systems. The calculations consider the system’s cooling output in one season and the energy it consumes in watt-hours to arrive at the ratio. You can locate this rating in the air conditioner’s manual or on its cabinet.

Does the AC System Have ENERGY STAR Certification?

The ENERGY STAR® label shows that an HVAC system meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s performance standards. For a system to attain the certification, it must not harm the environment. It should save energy, too.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an AC system should have a SEER rating above 14 to qualify for the ENERGY STAR certification. Therefore, if an AC system has the ENERGY STAR® label, you’ll know it’ll maximize energy efficiency. As a result, it’ll lower your cooling costs.

Do You Experience Frequent Problems?

Finally, the most obvious way of telling whether your air conditioner is energy-efficient is by observing it. If your energy bills start increasing as your AC system ages, its efficiency is dropping.

Your AC system should work optimally for 10-15 years, after which you may notice a drop in performance. You’ll also start noticing the need for frequent AC repairs as it nears the end of its useful life. Scheduling routine maintenance can help you extend your AC system’s life. As a result, you can prevent costly premature AC replacements.

Need quality AC services? If so, contact our team at Contra Costa Climate Control for your air conditioning needs in Walnut Creek, CA. Our licensed service technicians prioritize high-quality service. We maintain integrity and professionalism in our work.

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