3 Ways to Find Out if Your HVAC Unit is Energy Efficient

3 Ways to Find Out if Your HVAC Unit is Energy Efficient

In Arizona’s Summers, it’s important to have an Energy Efficient HVAC Unit.

Heating and Cooling your home can be quite costly, and if you’re not cautious, you may end up with an unexpectedly high energy bill. Even if you manage to regulate your usage effectively during the seasons, it might not be sufficient. An inefficient HVAC Unit can make you feel like you’re literally wasting money just to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The cost of running your HVAC System largely depends on its efficiency. Unfortunately, determining the optimal performance of your HVAC system is not always straightforward. If you’re uncertain about the efficiency of your unit, here are three methods to ascertain its effectiveness.

Monitor your energy consumption: Keep track of your energy usage while your heater is running. If you notice a significant increase in your energy bill without a corresponding increase in usage, it could indicate an inefficient unit.

Conduct a professional inspection: Hire a qualified technician to inspect your heating and cooling system. They can assess its efficiency and identify any potential issues that may be affecting its performance.

Consider an energy audit: An energy audit can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy usage, including your HVAC system. This assessment can help pinpoint areas where improvements can be made to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

By taking these steps, you can gain a better understanding of your energy efficiency and make informed decisions to optimize its performance and minimize energy expenses.

1. Know Your Rating

The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the most effective method for determining the optimal efficiency of your unit.

You can find your units AFUE or SEER rating in the user’s manual or on a sticker inside the furnace cabinet. If you are unable to locate the rating through these options, you can contact the manufacturer or search for the make and model of your AC Unit on the internet.

2. How Old is Your HVAC Unit?

Evaluating your Energy efficiency goes beyond just knowing your units AFUE or SEER rating. It’s important to consider factors such as the age of your heater and its maintenance history.

Even with proper care, wear and tear can cause a decline in efficiency over time. Additionally, advancements in HVAC technology mean that even a relatively young system may benefit from an upgrade. If energy efficiency and cost savings are a priority, it may be wise to start planning for a replacement sooner rather than later.

3. Review Energy Bills

It is common for energy bills to vary over time. Factors such as changing seasons, living situations, or an increase in energy costs can cause these fluctuations.

However, by comparing your monthly energy usage, you can determine if your unit is becoming less efficient. If your energy bill is significantly higher compared to the same period last year, it is possible that your unit is not functioning optimally.

It is important to monitor your heating bills and take note of any external factors that may contribute to an increase in costs. These factors may include changing climate patterns from year to year, lack of maintenance, or the need for home upgrades such as insulation, windows, and weather-stripping. By keeping track of these changes, you can make informed decisions about heating your home.

Energy Efficiency Matters

Whether you’re in the market for a new heater or you’re hoping to keep your current system running as long as possible, taking proper care of your heater can help to maintain its efficiency. 

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, a conscientious advisor will take your local climate and personal preferences into account and propose the most ideal equipment for your home. To keep your AFUE rating as accurate as possible, maintain a regular schedule of check and service appointments to keep your system running at its best. 

The expert Service and Maintenance Technicians at Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling, LLC. can help you properly maintain your HVAC Unit to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible. 

If you are looking to purchase a new HVAC System (such as a Trane Unit) or want to prolong the lifespan of your current system, it is important to take proper care of your unit in order to maintain its efficiency.

When considering a new system, a knowledgeable technician will consider your local climate and personal preferences to recommend the most suitable equipment for your home or commercial property. To ensure that your AFUE or SEER rating remains as accurate as possible, it is recommended to maintain a regular schedule of check-ups and service appointments to keep your system operating at its best.

At Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling LLC, our expert Service and Maintenance Technicians can assist you in properly maintaining your AC system, ensuring that it operates as efficiently as possible.

If you are ready to schedule a maintenance appointment or would like to discuss the installation of a new Trane Unit, please contact us at (602) 832-5786.

We are more than happy to assist you in finding an energy efficient solution that meets your specific needs.