If the air conditioner isn’t running at maximum efficiency, the resulting high electric bills or home discomfort might be avoidable. But unless you’re an HVAC professional, you probably don’t know how to evaluate the system. Below, DK Heating & Sons, located in Perry, OH, shares some ways to inspect the home and AC to make sure you’re not throwing away money on an inefficient system.

How Insulated Is Your Home?

If a home isn’t sufficiently insulated against outside temperatures, there are steps you can take to make the AC unit’s job easier. Check the insulation levels in the attic and consider adding more if you’re losing cool air to the attic space. Windows that face west and get full afternoon sun can absorb a lot of heat too. If you replace those with energy-efficient ones or simply close the blinds, curtains, or shutters during the hottest parts of the day, the air conditioner will have an easier time keeping the home cool.

Is Your AC Cooling All the Rooms Evenly?

One tell-tale sign that an air conditioner isn’t cooling the home efficiently is when there are noticeable temperature differences among rooms. This means that the air isn’t flowing evenly, and you may be forced to crank up the air to keep some rooms cool enough for comfort while others are downright frigid.

Does Your Air Conditioner Have Regular Cycles?

When the AC is working well, it should have regular cycles where it powers up and down. If it’s running continually to keep the home cool enough, there’s probably an issue somewhere in the system. An HVAC contractor can remedy the situation with air conditioner repairs.

Is the Temperature What It Should Be?

Many newer thermostats can detect and optimize efficiency, but if you’re working with an older model, you need to check its ability to cool air. Place room thermometers at the air conditioner’s intake and vents and lower the thermostat’s temperature significantly. Within minutes, the vented air should be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the intake. If it’s not, call in the professionals for an efficiency consultation.

How Old Is Your Unit?

The age of an AC unit will make a big difference in its efficiency. The older a unit is, the harder it must work to keep the home comfortable and the more energy it consumes. If a unit is more than 10 years old, your best option might be to get a new AC installed.

Looking for a great heating and cooling contractor to keep your home comfortable and efficient? The professionals at DK Heating & Sons have been serving residential and commercial clients in Perry for 60 years, and they can help you too. Call them today at (440) 259-4557 for a free estimate or visit their website to learn about their air conditioner repairs.