Since Southern California has long, hot summers with wet and chilly winters, you’ll likely use your heating and cooling system often to remain comfortable indoors. Unfortunately, HVAC units are major energy consumers, so running your equipment too frequently without the proper care will decrease HVAC performance and increase energy expenses.
The team at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling understands that several performance measures make understanding HVAC efficiency and performance capabilities easier. Here we discuss those key points and offer tips for improving heating and cooling system performance for Southern California properties.
How to Assess an HVAC System’s Energy Efficiency
A significant portion of a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump’s performance level ties into how well it uses energy. Choosing the right energy-efficient equipment is the first step in optimizing system performance.
Different ratings or performance measures help explain whether a system’s design makes it energy-efficient. Though several scientific ratings are available, the top ones are:
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): Air conditioners with SEER ratings above 16 can lead to substantial energy savings.
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): This rating measures heat output in heat pumps in British Thermal Units. The ideal rating range is between eight and ten.
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): An EER rating measures the cooling capacity of a heat pump or air conditioner. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the system is.
Whenever your home or business needs a new HVAC system, refer to its ratings to determine if the model has the energy efficiency baseline you need for your property and energy usage needs. For instance, getting an air conditioner with a SEER rating over 13 is best if you want an energy-efficient HVAC unit.
Top 4 Ways to Optimize HVAC Performance
To improve HVAC performance, consider the following tips and strategies:
- Change Air Filters: Every HVAC system has an air filter that traps dirt, dust, and other airborne debris as air passes through it. You must change or clean the filter at least once every season to prevent clogs from restricting airflow and reducing HVAC performance.
- Use Your Thermostat Smartly: Anytime you leave your property for more than four hours, you should adjust your thermostat up or down a few degrees, depending on the season. Letting your equipment run when no one is present is a waste of energy.
- Clean Your Compressor: The compressor unit is the outdoor portion of an HVAC system that disperses heat waste from buildings. Always maintain a clear space around it by removing weeds, plants, and debris from it. This step is necessary to prevent airflow restriction.
- Schedule Annual HVAC Inspections: Getting a professional HVAC inspection each year is important for maintaining great system performance. The technician will assess and clean your equipment and calibrate everything for optimal efficiency.
Refer to Dragonfly Heating & Cooling for More HVAC Performance Help
We at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling know the best steps for improving HVAC performance for our Southern California customers. Our NATE- and NCI-certified technicians have years of experience repairing, installing, and maintaining heating and cooling systems throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County – call (951) 684-0880 for your free estimate.
