HVAC Company Explains How to Keep AC Unit Running Efficiently

Birmingham HVAC Companies Staying Busy in Extreme Heat

June 16, 2024

In the midst of summer, when temperatures climb rapidly, local HVAC companies in Birmingham find their services in high demand. Cases of air conditioning units failing under the intense heat are recurrent, and the day’s work becomes busy troubleshooting these issues that homeowners face.

Understanding the Operational Efficiency of an AC Unit

Kerry Adkins, a professional with a prominent HVAC service company in the area, asserts the reason behind these frequent equipment failures. “When it gets this hot, it puts a lot of stress on the system,” Adkins explains. “If there’s any weak points in the system, that’s where it’s going to fail.”

She further elaborated that residential AC units typically have a cooling limit of approximately 20-degrees below the outside temperature. Thus, overextending the unit’s capabilities could escalate the wear and tear process, eventually causing it to fail.

Preventive Measures and Maintenance

According to experts, homeowners can play a significant role in maintaining the operational efficiency of their AC units by undertaking some basic measures. Primarily, the air filter must be routinely changed for improved air passage. Apart from this, any trees, falling leaves, or debris in the vicinity of the outdoor unit needs to be cleared to prevent the trapping of hot air.

What’s equally important, but often ignored, is carrying out an annual inspection of the unit. Adkins opinionates,” They’ve done studies on this and they estimate that for every year you don’t maintenance your HVAC system, it loses 5% efficiency.” This is alarming, especially when extrapolated over a few years. “Let’s say it’s been five years since you’ve had your maintenance done, well your system’s only going to be working at between 70-80% efficiency,” he added.

Checking for Heat Leakage and Insulation

In addition to AC upkeep, specific attention must be given to the house’s overall insulation to maximize the AC unit’s effectiveness. For homes that have been around for a while, cracks around doors or windows become common, which could let cooled air escape from inside, thereby increasing the load on the AC unit. Filling these structural crevices can help maintain the desired temperature inside the house for a longer period.

Experts suggest a thorough check-up of the attic’s insulation. Over time, it is likely to wear down, and replacing it may contribute to increased energy efficiency in temperature regulation.

In conclusion, while HVAC companies can certainly troubleshoot and repair, air conditioning unit upkeep and efficiency can largely be maintained through diligent care, regular maintenance, and appropriate home insulation.