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Factors Impacting Efficiency of Residential Air Conditioners

Consumers today will often seek out appliances and household machines that carry the government's ENERGY STAR label. A company must submit its product to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to gain approval under the government's official energy efficiency rating program.

An air conditioning manufacturer must meet a variety of guidelines that ensure the product demonstrates excellent energy efficiency for consumers. For example, if a product costs more than a less-efficient model, use of the product must result in savings on a user's utility bill.

Age, Time, & Air Conditioning Efficiency

Over time, air conditioners become less efficient for two reasons. The first is because the air conditioning machinery becomes worn out and must work harder to offer the same level of cooling. The second is because new air conditioners offer impressive gains in their efficiency ratings.

After around fifteen or twenty years, a residential air conditioning unit will start to cost much more than a similar, newer version. Although a homeowner may need to make a financial investment in a new air conditioner, two benefits may result from the purchase.

The new air conditioner will use less energy and result in a lower utility bill. The machine will also help the homeowner use less energy and reduce his or her family's impact on the planet with the use of fossil fuels.

Cleaning Air Conditioners Regularly

An air conditioner may experience reduced efficiency even if it's only a few years old because of environmental factors like dirt and debris. A dirty air conditioner must use more energy to provide the same output in cooling. Built up brush or debris around the exterior unit can reduce efficiency.

Likewise, inside the home, the air conditioner may not provide efficient cooling when vents are clogged with dust, the ducts are dirty, and the filters are old. Homeowners who conduct basic cleaning and maintenance of their air conditioning units on a seasonal basis will enjoy the highest efficiency possible.

Keeping Doors & Windows Closed

Homeowners often open the doors and windows of their homes to let fresh air into the house, but it's not efficient to do so when the air conditioner is active. Fresh air can help eliminate stale air from the home and save on energy costs.

However, opening the windows can increase the temperature of the house and cause the air conditioner to work harder when the machine is turned on again. Homeowners who want an efficient residential air conditioning system should only open their windows at night.