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Do Ductless Mini Splits Use a Lot of Electricity?

Written by acauthority on December 1, 2024. Posted in Ductless Mini Split. No Comments on Do Ductless Mini Splits Use a Lot of Electricity?

Ductless mini splits are known for their energy efficiency, making them an ideal heating and cooling solution for many households. In comparison to traditional HVAC systems, mini splits generally use less electricity, especially when sized correctly and maintained well. By providing targeted cooling and heating, they help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without increasing electricity bills significantly. Let’s explore how mini splits impact energy consumption, air quality, and the carpet cleaning needs of your home or office.

How Much Electricity Do Ductless Mini Splits Use?

The electricity usage of ductless mini splits is lower than that of conventional HVAC systems, primarily because they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork. Here’s a breakdown of factors that influence their electricity consumption:

System Size: The size of your mini split system must align with the size of your space. Larger rooms need more cooling or heating power, which can increase electricity usage. A professional can help you choose the correct size to balance efficiency with comfort.
SEER Rating: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings indicate how efficient a unit is over a season. Mini-splits with high SEER ratings use less electricity, especially during peak summer months, and can help reduce energy bills in the long run.
Usage Frequency: How often and how long you run the mini split affects overall electricity consumption. Keeping it on during occupied times and adjusting it when rooms are empty can save energy.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can minimize electricity consumption and still enjoy a comfortable indoor environment. Ductless mini splits are especially beneficial for carpet cleaning businesses and homeowners who want consistent air quality without impacting energy bills. For insights on energy-efficient mini splits, consult with AC Authority, a leading provider, to find a system that best matches your home or office needs.

Benefits of Mini Splits for Carpet Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality

Mini-splits don’t just help you save on electricity; they also create a healthier indoor environment, which can be beneficial for carpets. Here’s how they contribute to cleaner air and easier carpet maintenance:

Reduced Dust and Debris Circulation: Unlike traditional HVAC systems with ductwork, mini splits don’t spread dust or allergens as widely throughout the space. This is especially helpful for those with carpets, as fewer airborne particles settle on the floor, making carpets easier to maintain.
Humidity Control for Carpet Care: Keeping humidity levels balanced is crucial for carpets. High humidity can promote mold and mildew growth, which can damage carpet fibers and create unpleasant odors. Mini-splits often include dehumidification features, which help regulate indoor humidity and prevent carpet damage.
Enhanced Air Filtration: Many ductless mini splits come with advanced filtration options, which can be beneficial for homes and businesses where air quality directly affects the cleanliness of carpets. Cleaner air means less dirt and dust settle on carpets, extending their life and maintaining their appearance.

By maintaining a controlled environment with a ductless mini split, you’re also investing in your carpets’ longevity and quality, providing a healthier space for everyone. AC Authority offers ductless mini splits with features like enhanced air filtration to support better indoor air quality, which is essential for homes and businesses with carpeted floors.

Tips to Minimize Electricity Use with Ductless Mini Splits

While ductless mini splits are energy-efficient by design, following a few best practices can help reduce electricity consumption even further. Here are some actionable steps to get the most out of your mini-split:

Optimize Thermostat Settings: Adjust the thermostat to an energy-saving level when rooms are unoccupied. Using a programmable thermostat or a smart device can automate these adjustments, ensuring minimal electricity waste.
Use Eco Mode: Many mini splits come with eco-friendly settings designed to minimize power usage. Eco mode adjusts the compressor’s workload to achieve the desired temperature efficiently, which can help reduce electricity bills over time.
Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance, such as monthly filter cleaning and annual check-ups, keeps your mini split running at peak efficiency. Dirty filters and clogged coils can cause the system to work harder and use more electricity. Scheduling maintenance with a trusted provider like AC Authority ensures that your system performs optimally year-round.
Install Properly: Installing mini splits in strategic locations can make a big difference. Units placed in shaded areas or where airflow isn’t obstructed by furniture operate more efficiently. AC Authority’s professional installation services can help you optimize placement for both efficiency and comfort.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of a ductless mini split while keeping electricity usage—and costs—low.

Why Mini Splits Are Ideal for Carpeted Spaces

When choosing a cooling and heating system, it’s essential to consider how it might impact the cleanliness and maintenance of your carpets. Here’s why mini splits are particularly suited for spaces with carpet flooring:

Localized Climate Control: Mini splits offer precise, room-specific temperature adjustments, which can be highly beneficial for rooms with carpets. Controlling temperature and humidity levels can prevent the accumulation of dust and allergens on carpets, making it easier to keep them clean and maintain their appearance.
Lower Dust Circulation: Since mini splits don’t rely on ductwork, they reduce the spread of dust and allergens, which can settle on carpets over time. This feature minimizes the frequency of carpet cleaning, ultimately saving on maintenance costs.
Improved Air Quality: Many mini-splits include advanced air filtration systems that capture pollutants, making them ideal for maintaining indoor air quality. For homes or businesses with carpets, this filtration helps ensure that carpets remain free of dust and allergens, keeping them fresher and more hygienic for longer.

Using a mini-split in a carpeted space provides a double advantage: it keeps the air clean, and it reduces the impact of dust and humidity on carpets. The result is a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment that’s easier to maintain. For more guidance on how to enhance the indoor air quality in carpeted rooms, consult AC Authority to find a mini-split system that best suits your home.

Final Thoughts

Ductless mini splits are a practical and efficient solution for cooling and heating, especially in homes and offices with carpeted areas. They offer targeted temperature control without high electricity usage, thanks to their efficient design and lack of ductwork. By maintaining air quality and balanced humidity, mini splits ensure healthier carpeted environments and reduce cleaning needs.

For expert advice on choosing the right mini-split system, reach out to AC Authority. With options tailored to different space sizes and energy efficiency needs, AC Authority can help you find a system that works seamlessly with your indoor environment.

FAQ

Do mini splits use more electricity than traditional HVAC systems?

No, according to AC Authority, ductless mini splits are generally more efficient than traditional HVAC systems because they avoid the energy loss that occurs with ducted systems. This efficiency makes them an affordable choice for homes and businesses looking to save on electricity bills.

How can mini splits improve indoor air quality for carpeted spaces?

Mini-splits help reduce dust circulation by eliminating ductwork, which prevents dust and allergens from spreading and settling on carpets. Many units also feature advanced filters that capture additional pollutants. Contact us to learn more.

Is it necessary to clean mini-split filters regularly?

Yes, cleaning filters is crucial for maintaining efficiency and air quality. Regular cleaning also helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on carpets, making it easier to keep indoor spaces fresh and hygienic.

Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your HVAC System

Written by acauthority on November 28, 2022. Posted in HVAC Systems. No Comments on Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your HVAC System

To put it simply, your HVAC has a limited number of years it will run efficiently, and when it starts to break down you will inevitably pay more in energy costs and maintenance fees. This can lead to more money out of pocket over time then replacing the whole system. You may even be sacrificing air quality and accurate control over your environment by sticking with an older system. If you have had the same HVAC for several years and are thinking about upgrading it may be better to do it sooner, rather than later. We composed this comprehensive guide to help illustrate the best reasons to upgrade your system today.

How Do You Know It’s Time To Upgrade

The best way to tell that you should upgrade really comes down to how much money you are spending on keeping your home cooled. From malfunctioning thermostats to bad air quality, these individual problems all end up costing more money on maintenance, or on energy costs than what you would spend on a new system. Alternatively you can instead turn to manufacturer guidance on the lifetime of your specific system.

Protip: Most HVAC systems last between 10-15 years depending on how well they are being maintained.

5 Reasons to Upgrade Your HVAC System

Let’s look at the factors we mentioned in a bit more depth. Here is our detailed list of reasons on why you should upgrade.

Your System Has Difficulty Maintaining A Constant Temperature

This is the first reason we want to address because it may be the most obvious. As your system ages, it can become harder and harder to keep your home environment at the temperature you want it to be at. This happens because the condenser coils are worn down, the blower fan is slowing but outside of its lifetime being at the end the system may be a bad fit for your home entirely.

Protip: Having a larger system cooling smaller spaces leads to a huge variation in climate. This is less of an issue with older systems and more a product of your home not being fitted with the correctly sized unit.

Repairs Are Frequent and Costly

Next up on our list is another reason that many homeowners should consider upgrading. When your system has consistent issues, monthly or even every few months that is a sign that things are just degraded past complete repair. A fully functioning HVAC system only needs to be serviced every six or so months. HVAC repairs are costly and take up your precious free time to be available for a service company. Rather than spending money every month on repairs you can pay for a new unit that will save you money in the long run.

Your Bills Are Getting Higher

When the seasons change and you find yourself using your system more or less often, how much is the cost fluctuating year over year? Most households tend to have consistent habits when it comes to their heating and cooling settings. Now, this could be because of a faulty thermostat or it could be a sure sign that your system cannot keep up with your needs anymore. Seeing that monthly bill rise means that the HVAC must work harder, for longer to keep the environment in a consistent state. Double check your bills and see if your energy costs have been growing over the last year or so!

Protip: New HVAC systems come with new thermostats!

Is Your Air Quality Good

Some people may not realize it, but your HVAC system plays an important role in the quality of air within your home. It not only filters the air through its system to remove dust and dirt but conditions it by removing moisture as well. When your home feels muggy and heavy even though the HVAC is running it means that your unit isn’t doing it’s job correctly. This may also be the cause of excessive sneezing or seasonal allergies. New systems can also come pre-installed with air purifiers.

The System Is Past Its Recommended Lifetime

Our final reason is a much more situationally based one. Every HVAC unit has a time-sensitive cap on how long it will be in operation. While most systems last for at least 15 years with proper maintenance, if that timeline is coming to its end you can preemptively start shopping around for a replacement. It may even behoove you to start looking into an upgrade before you start running into the problems above.

Key Takeaways Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your HVAC System

There are several reasons why you might be looking to upgrade your HVAC system. The system definitely won’t last forever even with a great maintenance plan and when it struggles with keeping your home a comfortable temperature, you start spending an excessive amount of money on your energy bills as well as repairs. Having issues with bad air quality and too much moisture in the air can make your home uncomfortable as well. Sometimes all of these problems can occur at once but when the signs are evident you should definitely look into upgrading your HVAC system.

How To Check Your HVAC For Damage After A Hurricane

Written by acauthority on November 28, 2022. Posted in HVAC Systems. No Comments on How To Check Your HVAC For Damage After A Hurricane

By using some simple signs like abnormal noises, poor cooling or air quality and dents on the exterior unit anyone can identify HVAC damage after a hurricane. Strong winds, rain and thunder or hail can make hurricanes incredibly dangerous for homes. Especially if larger debris gets caught up in the wind. While many HVAC systems are built to withstand harsh weather, tropical storms and hurricanes can do a number on your exterior units. This is especially true if they are in a location that is susceptible to standing water.

Why You Should Check Your Hvac System For Damage After A Hurricane

The short answer is that in order to prevent further damage to your HVAC system you should always check it for damage after a storm. While firing it up and seeing if it works sounds like the easiest way, smaller signs and details that are less noticeable may determine more serious issues that could lead to a fault in the system down the line and even more damage may occur. That also means more money spent on maintenance or perhaps even buying a new system altogether!

Signs That Your HVAC System Incurred Hurricane Damage

We compiled this list of things that you can inspect in order to determine when calling a professional is the best move. Any combination of these indicators may be cause for a more serious inspection!

Abnormal Noises

In case you weren’t aware, HVAC systems are usually quiet during operation. This is because it is a cycled system with no obstruction. However those heavy winds from a hurricane can easily dislodge parts or knock the unit around enough to obscure that system. This typically leads to loud rattling, screeching or buzzing noises from the exterior unit.

Protip: Ignoring these noises can lead to physical harm to the components that were knocked loose and rather than a simple repair you would then need full replacement parts.

This is easily identifiable but requires an expert to assess and fix the issue.

The System Doesn’t Turn On

This is another fairly obvious signal, but it can be an indication of a more serious issue. Hurricanes cause spikes in the electrical grid that can cause issues within your HVAC system. This almost always leads to extreme wear and tear on the internal components. Thankfully your circuit breaker should be switched off during surges, saving the system from internal damage, but sometimes the circuit breakers on your home can fail as well.

Protip: Turning off your HVAC system before a storm can help prevent this!

As an additional point to this, you can check your breaker box to see if the line was tripped and manually flip it back on. If it keeps flipping off, or your system won’t turn on even if it is flipped then the problem is likely more severe and you will need a professional assessment of the damage.

The System Doesn’t Cool Or Heat

During storms the condenser coil in your unit can become clogged or covered with mud from the rain water. There may also be a leak in the refrigerant lines. Checking for these specific issues is not recommended, so if you notice the system cannot maintain a temperature then be sure to call a specialist.

Poor Air Quality

Did you know that your HVAC system provides improvements to your home’s air quality as well? By filtering out dirt, removing debris that may cause odors and lowering humidity, your HVAC system impacts the air you breathe quite a bit. Conversely, if you notice an excess of dust in your home or strange, musty smells then it can indicate an underlying issue caused by the hurricane.

Standing Water Near The Outside Unit

When you notice pooling, or flooding, of the system’s outdoor unit it is the telltale indication of damage to its condenser. While the outside unit is water-resistant, it simply cannot operate if it is even partially submerged in water for extended periods. If you notice water collecting around the condenser unit immediately turn off the breaker for the unit to remove the danger of electrical shock. Then, identify and resolve the issue of standing water. This may require seeking outside help, especially if your block was impacted by the hurricane.

Physical Damage

Hurricanes usually bring debris with them and that means that several things along the outside of your HVAC system could have taken a hit. Specifically, electrical wires can become disconnected, your condenser could have been knocked loose or the coils on it may have dents or other signs of damage. Also, if there is mud on the outside of the unit that could mean that water has seeped into it as well.

Key Takeaways of How To Check Your HVAC For Damage After A Hurricane

Checking your HVAC system for damage after a hurricane can help reduce the likelihood of further damage and ultimately save you time and money. Whether you notice the system isn’t turning on, it’s air quality is bad, it can’t cool your home or there are obvious signs of water pooling and physical damage, calling a professional to identify the issues and resolve them is always the safest and most cost-effective approach.

Top 5 Reasons Your AC is Not Cooling

Written by acauthority on October 26, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning Systems. No Comments on Top 5 Reasons Your AC is Not Cooling

Air conditioning is an incredibly important appliance for any home, providing cool or hot air during any time of the year. So when your AC unit is not working correctly it can be concerning, especially when you are depending on it to cool down your home during the summer months. If your air is not cooling properly there are certain things that could be failing. We put together this guide so you can know when it is a fixable issue or you need to call the specialists at AC Authority!

1. Mechanical Failures or Faults

There is a lot of technology and mechanical marvel that goes into making an AC system operate correctly. Several working parts take air, cool or heat it, disperse it through the system and expel hot air outside of your home. Here are the basic components of most air conditioning units:

Fan or Heat Pump
Evaporator coil (for cooling the air)
Compressor (electric pump)
Condenser Coil (transfers heat)
Expansion Valve

In addition, there may be a duct system utilized for directing the air throughout your home if you have a central AC unit. With all of these parts there is often an issue on the mechanical level. If your fan is not operating correctly the main unit cannot disperse heat correctly. Or, if the compressor is faulty, the refrigerant can’t circulate between the inside and outside units.

The best way to fix mechanical issues is to get regular maintenance and seek professional advice!

2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Every air conditioning unit has a filter that the air being drawn through the system passes. When this filter becomes clogged with dirt, dandruff, pet hair or other large particulates it can affect the entire system. In rare cases, if the air flow is extremely blocked, the cool air can cycle back through into the evaporator coil, which in turn causes it to freeze.

Overall, a dirty air filter can hinder the air flow and reduce efficiency of the entire system, making it much harder to cool your house. For Central conditioning units you should be changing your filter once a month. You can make things easier on yourself by having a Smart Thermometer, as they can alert you when a filter needs to get changed.

2. Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the magic elixir that makes an AC unit cool air. When cold liquid refrigerant evaporates on the evaporator coil, it turns into gas. The much hotter gas is then pumped outside into your system’s condenser, where it transfers the heat to the outside air and reverts into a liquid again and the cycle continues. Already you can see how low refrigerant is a huge issue.

Manufacturer’s specifications can tell you what the levels would be at, but this is definitely an issue that should be handled by a professional. Here are a few reasons why:

It is likely there is a leak, so adding more would just be pointless. A professional can pinpoint the leak and fix it to keep refrigerant from spilling out.
Refrigerants can be toxic if handled incorrectly.
Your system may use a special kind of refrigerant rather than the standard freon most systems use.

AC Authority knows the best methods for repairing coolant leak and can get your issues sorted out, ASAP!

4. The Outdoor Unit Is Overheating

This is a more common problem if your AC system has a secondary unit outside of your home and may have been installed incorrectly. These units need a proper amount of space from the building as well as any shrubs or bushes in order to cycle air properly. While cutting some bushes away is an easy problem to solve, if your unit had been installed on the side of the house that gets the most sun, there is little that can be done.

Pro tip: When we install an AC unit, we always take into consideration the placement of your outside equipment. That’s part of the reason AC Authority is the best!

Typically, you want to make sure there is at least 2-3 feet between the unit and any plants, fences or trees. But when it comes to the top of the unit, which expels more heat, make sure there is nothing within 5 feet of it!

5. The Unit Is Unfit For The Space

Our final and perhaps biggest culprit of an insufficiently cooled home is that the system is not fit to cool the space. Some air conditioners are perfect for a single room while others are better for entire houses. If your home isn’t being cooled then you may have the wrong system!

Typically smaller homes or single rooms can be cooled by:

Portable AC units
Mini-split Ductless units
Window Mounted units

Whereas, large homes need things like:

Central air conditioning
Geothermal air conditioning

This is also the time to call a professional, but it’s better to do it when you are shopping around. They can provide general guidance and recommendations that you may not have thought of!\

Key Takeaways:

Making sure you stay cool during the hot months is easy as long as you know what could stand in the way of your air conditioning system. Faulty parts, dusty filters, refrigerant leaks and improper placement of external units can all contribute to your AC not cooling correctly. IT can also save you time, money and a headache if you consult with AC Authority when you are ready to purchase a new unit!

Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Written by acauthority on October 21, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning Systems. No Comments on Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems

TLDR: There are several types of Air Conditioning units available on the market. If you compare cost, energy consumption, size and efficiency, you will find that some are better than others! We recommend contacting us before making a purchase to ensure you get the right unit for your specific needs. Ultimately, regardless of what AC unit you have, AC Authority can repair any system and keep it in pristine condition.

When looking at the Air Conditioning market it is fairly easy to get overwhelmed. The sheer amount of systems available means you have a plethora of options to choose from and not all of them are good for every environment. What kind of system you need can change depending on:

Your budget
How energy efficient the system needs to be
The amount of space you have for your system
The amount of cooling power you need

As the premier experts in all things Air Conditioning, we know all systems back and forth, front to back! So we provided this guide to help you sort through all your options. Of course, the best thing to do would be to get a recommendation from the experts but this can get you started on your information gathering journey.

Why Air Conditioning Is Important

Air Conditioning, or AC units are one of the most common appliances in American homes you can find. They not only keep your home cool, but keep the air quality good and can help reduce energy costs during certain times of the year.

The better your system is at using energy the more money you can save. While keeping your unit well maintained influences how efficiently it works, it is important to know the capabilities upfront as well.

There are 7 main types of air conditioning systems we will cover, each with their own pros and cons! They are:

Central Air Conditioner
Ductless Mini-Split
Window Air Conditioner
Portable Air Conditioner
Floor Mounted AC
Hybrid / Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
Geothermal Air Conditioner

Each one has specifications that may or may not be suitable for your home! Let’s dive in.

The 7 Main Types Of Air Conditioner Systems

Central Air Conditioning

We are starting off with the system we recommend for most homes and larger buildings. Suited for cooling multiple rooms, central air conditioning utilizes a split system, meaning the unit outside holds the condenser and compressor while what is actually in your home is the evaporator coils & air handler. It is worth noting that central air utilizes refrigerant to remove heat from the outdoor air while pushing the cooled air through ducts.

Pro tip: Most, if not all units can use programmable thermostats, making keeping your home a consistent temperature easy.

Advantages of Central AC:

The use of ductwork to disperse the cool air maintains a consistent and regulated environment, even through large structures.
Humidity is reduced thanks to the constant circulation of cool air.

Disadvantages of Central AC:

This system uses a lot of power and can be the most expensive option depending on the size of the unit.
Due to having a separate duct system to disperse the cool air you also have to maintain the ducts in order to keep consistent airflow.

Ductless Mini-Split:

Up next we have the much smaller but much more efficient ductless system. While it only cools small spaces (a room or two at best) it combines all of the parts that make up an AC unit into one compact machine. Mounted on a wall and equipped with blowers, the refrigerant circulates depending on which setting is being used. The common recommendation is to have one unit per room, though you can see how that can get expensive quickly.

Mini-splits usually have a remote controller or an app that you can use from your phone making them a somewhat more convenient option as well.

Advantages of Ductless Mini-Splits:

Easy to install and due to being more compact can be put almost anywhere.
Can control multiple rooms’ temperature independently of each other.

Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Splits:

Unable to cool large homes unless multiple units are installed.
Obviously visible and must be mounted on an empty portion of the wall.

Window AC:

These units come in several sizes that can cool either a single room or a small home with decent efficiency. Many american homes utilize window AC units, since all of the components are kept in one place the filter is easy to clean out and the mount to the window keeps any hot air from the system directed outside of your home.

Advantages of Window AC:

Less costly to maintain and cheaper to install.
Easier to install and maintain.
Utilizes the space around a window rather than a wall or the floor.

Disadvantages of Window AC:

Both noisy and very obviously in plain view.
Blocks a window in your home but must also be near an outlet.
Unable to be mounted on odd-shaped windows

Portable Air Conditioner:

Next up is a unit that has many of the same design specifications as a window AC, minus needing to be mounted in a window. The components are still in a single unit, it has a removable, cleanable filter and requires a free power outlet. Coming in multiple sizes you can cool anything from small areas in your home to full sized rooms.

Portable AC units can also either have single-hose systems or double-hose systems. They both expel hot air back outside but the dual-hose system also pulls air from outside in order to be cooled.

Advantages of Portable AC:

Simple to set up.
Can be moved since they are not “installed” like other units.
Effective for spot cooling without breaking the bank.
Can be stored quickly and without needing a lot of space.

Disadvantages of Portable AC:

Noisy during operation.
Unable to cool large rooms well.
The house still needs to be near a window while in use.

Floor Mounted AC:

These air conditioners were designed to be as convenient as mini-split systems but don’t need to be mounted high up on a wall. It is also ideal for tilted or glass walls, with the outer portion of the unit able to be installed with little preparation and no ductwork.

The filters used in floor mounted AC units are easy to check and since the unit sits at the same height as you they very effectively cool and heat rooms because the fans are blowing across the space evenly.

Advantages of Floor Mounted AC:

The most accessible system available makes it the best choice for disabled or elderly people.
Easy to install and takes up very little space.

Disadvantages of Floor Mounted AC:

Needs the area in front of it to be clear or the airflow is interrupted.
Not great at cooling large rooms since the airflow is so localized.

Geothermal Air Conditioning System:

This system is one of the newer solutions to air conditioning. It uses the ground beneath your home as insulation, while pumping water through the area that gets cooled or warmed respectively with geothermal technology.

The system takes extensive work to set up.

Advantages of Geothermal AC:

High energy efficiency.
The lifespan of this system is substantially longer than any other.

Disadvantages of Geothermal AC:

Can only be installed in specific areas.
The cost of installing this system is much higher than other options.

Hybrid/Dual Fuel Air Conditioner:

Last, but certainly not least is the hybrid system. Utilizing a gas furnace in combination with an electric heat pump, this option for air conditioning has decent performance and is fairly cost effective. The unit can switch between either electricity or gas-powered conditioning based on the outdoor temperature, the parameters of which are completely customizable.

If the inside of your home is hot the heat pump pushes the air outside while during the winter months the process is reversed. If it becomes too cold the furnace turns on in order to maintain the temperature instead.

Advantages of Hybrid/Dual AC:

Has both efficiency and low-cost operation.
Reduces your carbon foot-print.

Disadvantages of Hybrid/Dual AC:

Can be expensive to install.
You have to maintain both the furnace and the heat-pump in order for it to function properly.

Understanding Different Air Conditioning System Types

All of the options presented can be a good choice depending on the size of the space being cooled or heated, the amount of money you have to spend and the amount of energy available. This article gives the basic information required to assess which air conditioning system you need, but the process of shopping around can still be a challenge. As the expert AC installation and repair company, AC Authority can always help guide you to the best choice for your AC systems.

5 Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

Written by acauthority on September 12, 2022. Posted in Energy Saving Tips. No Comments on 5 Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

TLDR: In order to save money on your energy bill you can use precise thermostat settings, clean air filters and adequate airflow in combination with good AC unit maintenance practices to keep your machine working at peak performance.

When it comes to keeping your home cool or warm during certain times of the year, it can quickly lead to higher energy costs and more maintenance on your air conditioning system. However, there are several ways that you can lighten that load on your wallet through simple techniques and a bit of planning.

Whether you have an expensive central air unit or the more efficient ductless mini-split, these general rules for optimizing power usage, air flow efficiency and filter condition can save you money anytime of the year!

1. Use Your Thermostat Correctly

All air conditioning units come with a device, either built in or installed separately, that controls the operation of the system. The thermostat is an important thing to understand, especially when it comes to maintaining cost efficient temperature control. Here are a few things that can impact your thermostats ability to work correctly:

If your thermostat is near something that creates heat it can improperly read the temperature, possibly making it activate more often or prematurely..
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and let it be! Constantly changing the settings will cause your AC to turn on and off erratically when it can usually get to the set temperature given enough time.
Use a programmable thermostat. With timed parameters and customizable options for every day of the week you can compensate for when you know you won’t be home and guarantee that the unit is only running when you need it the most.

Investing in a SMART thermostat is another good idea, as the ability to precisely control how and when your unit powers on is essential for not wasting energy. The experts at AC Authority can help recommend and install SMART thermostats for you home that work with any air conditioning system.

2. Take Care Of Your Air Filters

As your unit draws in air, that air passes through a filter. This serves a few main purposes: to remove debri and allergens from the air to increase the overall air quality and to keep that same debris from entering into your system (and ductwork if your system utilizes it). But over time, the filter will retain that dust and debris, making it harder for the system to draw in and expel air, which ultimately forces it to draw on more energy overall.

Pro tip: Keeping your filter clean also increases the overall quality of the air within your home. It can even help reduce allergies during the pollen-heavy seasons.

AC Authority recommends replacing disposable filters every three months at least and cleaning removable filters every month. Certain units that rely on ductwork may also need the ducts cleaned as well. That same debris and dust builds up in the duct system and can also impact the energy efficiency of the system.

3. Control Airflow Within Your Home

Making sure that your cooled or heated air is flowing unobstructed and is being directed to the correct areas within your home will increase the efficiency of any AC system. The airflow of your air conditioning unit is affected by several things:

The position of the vents either on the unit itself or on the ductwork throughout your home. It is best to not close all of the vents (if you have multiple) as this can backfire and make the system work harder, but make sure that the hottest or coolest parts of your home are receiving as much air as possible.
If your unit is at window or floor height, make sure there is no furniture blocking the blowers path and make sure the unit has some empty space around it. If things get too crowded, the unit will become hot itself, drastically lowering its ability to run efficiently.
Open any doors in areas that you are trying to influence to make sure that the air can get to the space.
Utilize a fan to push air where you want it to go. This also helps cool a space more quickly during the hotter months.

Control The Sunlight And Air coming Into Your Home

Direct sunlight can make your home much hotter, while improperly sealed doors and windows mean that the outside temperature can influence the environment. Less related to your AC unit directly, but this can make your system fight an upwards battle when it comes to controlling the temperature. Cold air can come in through cracks in your houses sealing, while sunlight can make rooms incredibly hot over time.

Shades or blinds can keep sunlight out, while getting the selas along your doors and windows check will help make sure they aren’t allowing air in or out.

5. Get Your AC System Inspected Regularly

Easily the most important practice on this list is making sure that your system is being maintained properly. Small operating issues can build up over time, resulting in a drop in performance or a spike in energy usage. Other times, your thermostat may be having issues that would otherwise go unnoticed unless examined by a professional.

AC Authority offers a unique solution to AC maintenance that you can’t find anywhere else: Maintenance Comfort Guard. This maintenance plan monitors your air conditioner 24/7 for any changes to its operations, no matter how small. We will quickly arrive to assess the change and fix it as part of the plan, so you don’t have to worry about your energy bill skyrocketing due to faulty equipment.

Energy Saving Key Takeaways

Making sure that your energy bill is consistent is easily accomplished by utilizing your thermostat correctly, keeping your filters cleaned, allowing proper airflow within your home, keeping the weather outside and keeping up with your AC unit’s maintenance. With these simple tips you can save money any time of year, no matter the temperature.

How to Tell If You Need an A/C Replacement

Written by acauthority on September 12, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning Systems. No Comments on How to Tell If You Need an A/C Replacement

Air Conditioning systems are the most common electrical appliance in the United States. As such, many people have had to deal with their units becoming faulty and not working properly over time. Maintenance and repair can help mitigate the frequency of these problems but sometimes it’s better to replace the system. Constant repairs cost money and in the end it may be a better investment to buy a new AC unit altogether. But then the big question becomes how do you know when it’s time to replace versus repair? We compiled a list of details to look for so you know when it’s time to start shopping around!

Your Unit Is Blowing Hot Air

First off is perhaps the most obvious sign that you need to replace your air conditioning system. If your unit is blowing warm air it is likely that either there is an issue with the condenser or perhaps more seriously a coolant leak. Coolant, or freon, is the chemical responsible for cooling the hot air that is pulled into the system while the condenser is what actually pulls the hot air in and out.

Whether it is the condenser or refrigerant that is the problem, the inability to cool makes your AC unit basically useless. Repairs for these issues can also be costly, so it’s better to have the professionals come out and help you decide if it would be cheaper in the long term to replace. AC Authority gives free quotes upon inspection so you can always have an idea of what the best solution is.

Moisture Is Building Up

This one can be a more subtle sign that is easy to miss. AC units, especially central cooling systems, are excellent at removing moisture from your home. This contributes to making the overall environment in your home much more comfortable! But if you begin to notice that the air is unnaturally humid despite your AC running, that could mean a few things are malfunctioning:

The airflow is obstructed, either due to a dirty filter or clogged duct work.
The condenser is malfunctioning.
There is a coolant leak
Water build-up in the system is causing issues

To truly know if this is a quick fix that can prolong the life of your system you would need to have an expert come out to inspect what’s causing the issue.

A Strange Smell Is Present

More obvious, you may notice strange smells inside your home and around the unit. Some examples of smells to keep an eye out for are:

Moldy or musty smells
Burning or electrical fire

These smells are a sure sign of a few problems, like dirty air filters or mold growth in either the drip pans or the evaporator coil. If there is a leak causing mold to grow not only is it a huge health hazard but is a sign of a larger problem.

Loud Noises

Another more obvious sign is if there are strange noises from the unit. Loud knocking or whirring, for example. While most loud noises are caused by clogging in the system and can be easily fixed by regular maintenance, if the system is more than a few decades old it may just be time to replace everything. AC Authority offers a unique solution when it comes to maintenance! Our 24/7 Maintenance plans make sure you are covered, no matter the time of day.

The System Needs Constant Repairs

Speaking of maintenance plans, this is a huge sign that it is time to get a new unit. If your system is breaking down on a monthly basis then you definitely need to look at shopping around. While regular maintenance is important and necessary, if you are spending an equivalent amount of money on maintenance as you would on making a down payment for a new system then skip the repairs and buy a new unit.

How To Choose A New AC Unit

If this article has pointed you towards purchasing a new air conditioning system then the next question is how do you begin shopping for one? This is a complicated question that could require an entirely different article to cover. However, AC Authority can help make your purchase an educated one by providing you with years of expertise and a comprehensive recommendation. We take into account your home’s size, the energy ratings of the unit and the floor plan that the system would need to be installed into.

We also offer payment plans for AC units with expert installation and affordable maintenance options!

Key Takeaways

Knowing when it’s time to get a new system will help you save money in the long run. Specifically, paying attention to whether your unit is blowing cool air, looking for excess moisture or strange noises as well as smells, and examining how often you have to get it repaired. AC Authority is hear to guide you through these decisions no matter what and make sure that you are saving money!