How to Tell if Your AC is Running Efficiently: 8 Helpful Tips

October 02, 2024

Have you ever wondered if your air conditioner can work better than it already does? AC efficiency is important because it ensures comfort and saves money on energy bills. 

But how do you tell if your AC is running efficiently? What does AC efficiency really mean? Are there ways to tell if your AC is working at full capacity, or is it just a sales tactic to sell more expensive units? 

We’ll answer all of these questions and more, so keep reading. 

What Is an Energy Efficiency Ratio?

You can determine your AC’s efficiency by checking its EER rating.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures an AC's efficiency. It’s usually determined by the ratio of the cooling capacity in British thermal units (Btu) per hour and power input in watts. 

Most of that doesn’t really matter, though. What does matter is an AC unit’s EER rating. The higher your AC’s rating, the more efficient it is. An EER rating of 18 or higher is good. 

8 Signs Your AC Is Running Efficiently

Beyond looking at the EER rating, here are eight ways to tell if your AC is running efficiently. 

1. Even Temperatures Within Your Home

An AC operating well will cool every corner of your home to a similar temperature. As you move around your house, you shouldn’t feel a noticeable temperature difference between rooms. 

2. Consistent Energy Bills

If temperatures shift dramatically where you live, it’s common to have your energy bills go up a little in the summer and winter. However, an efficient AC ensures that your energy bills stay consistent, saving you money in the long run. 

3. Quiet Operations

An efficient AC is a quiet AC. You should barely notice that your AC is running. 

You may occasionally hear it kick into action while it initiates a cooling cycle, but other than that, it’s a quiet operation.

4. Low Humidity Levels in Your Home

While it’s impossible to completely avoid humidity on humid days, you shouldn’t have to set your AC to freezing temperatures to make your home comfortable. 

5. Clean Air Filters

Clean air filters are a sure sign that your AC is performing at its best. They not only keep your home’s air clean, but they also ensure that your unit is clean. That prevents debris from covering the various parts of your AC unit, keeping it operating in peak form. 

6. No Sign of Leaks

Seeing a little liquid on or around your AC unit is normal. It’s a product of condensation, like when you pour a cool glass of water on a hot day, and the glass “sweats.” 

Condensation happens because ACs turn hot air into cool air. An efficient AC unit, however, is leak-free and has no puddles near it.

7. Plenty of Space for the Outside Unit

If you have an HVAC unit outside, it needs plenty of space to work well. Bushes, debris, etc., too close to your unit make the AC unit work harder to suck in and release air. 

8. Properly Sealed Doors, Windows, and Ducts

Properly sealed doors, windows, and ducts prevent unwanted air from getting in or out, which means your house stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

What Is the Most Efficient Setting for an AC?

The most efficient setting for an AC is as high as you can set it while remaining comfortable. For most people, it’s around 71 degrees. Higher temperatures are more efficient because they require less work and less energy from your AC. 

Is It More Efficient to Run AC at Night?

Yes, it’s more efficient to run your AC at night. Temperatures tend to cool down at night, even on the hottest days. This means it doesn’t take as long for your home to cool down to a comfortable temperature. 

5 Ways to Tell if Your AC Is Inefficient

If you notice any of the signs below, your AC isn’t running smoothly. It’s time for a professional maintenance check! 

1. Feeling Different Temperatures Throughout Your Home

Not only is it uncomfortable to go from a cold room to a warm one and vice versa as you walk around your home, but it can also be a sign something is wrong with your AC. 

Some slight temperature changes are normal if you have curtains open or a lot of people in a room or if you are cooking. However, significant temperature changes you can feel are a sign that something is wrong with your AC. 

If you need help eliminating hot and cold spots in your home, call us at 901-248-1961 to schedule a professional inspection.

2. Using a Lot of Energy 

Using a lot of energy to keep your home cool costs you money and puts a strain on your AC at the same time. ACs usually have cooling cycles to ensure that your home is comfortable without running all the time. 

These cooling cycles usually last around 15 minutes and can occur two or three times every hour. Of course, depending on your AC, you may experience different cooling cycle patterns. 

If your AC runs constantly, it’s struggling to keep things cool. This could be the result of something simple, like cleaning your unit, or something more complicated, like repairs or a full replacement.

Either way, it’s best to have a professional look at your AC before you’re stuck paying larger energy bills for months—schedule an appointment today!

3. Making Unusual Noises

If your AC is making a lot of noise, it may be time to call an HVAC professional at 901-248-1961. That’s the beginning of trouble. Something could be broken within your unit, or a part may have come loose. 

4. Feeling High Humidity Levels at Home

Humidity can make your home feel hotter than it is, leading you to turn up your AC to get cool. The thing is, your AC should already be helping to lower humidity levels. 

The evaporator coils within your AC should cool the moisture in the air and turn it into water. That water then leaves the unit through the drain pan so it doesn’t freeze the coils, which can cause the AC to stop working. 

If you notice high humidity in your home, your coils could be the problem. It’s best to call the professionals at Conway Services to take a look because coils are a delicate part of your AC unit.

5. Struggling Air Flow Filters

If you notice that your AC isn’t blowing air as strongly as before, there’s a problem with it. Your air filters are most likely clogged. 

Its common for filters to get clogged up and restrict airflow. This can strain your AC as it tries to make your home cooler with limited airflow. 

If the debris isn’t captured, it will cover various parts of your AC, causing it to stop working. So call 901-248-1961 today to have your AC looked at immediately.

How to Run Your AC Efficiently: 7 Ways

Make your AC’s cooling ability more powerful by using these seven tips: 

1. Regular maintenance: Don’t make your AC work harder than it needs to. Have a professional look at it regularly to make repairs as needed. Call 901-248-1961 to schedule an appointment today.

2. Replace air filters: Clean air filters are crucial to AC performance. 

3. Check for leaky ducts: Make sure every duct, door, and window is sealed shut. Conway Services can help with that—schedule an appointment today!

4. Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can make it easier to control your home’s temperature and prevent your AC from working when it doesn’t have to.

5. Use fans: Fans can help blow cool air around your home faster, reducing the time your AC has to work.

6. Keep your outdoor unit clean: A clean AC unit is effective. 

7. Shut off areas you aren’t using: If you aren’t using certain rooms, close the doors so the AC doesn’t have to cool down as much space.

How Do I Test My AC Performance?

The best way to test your AC performance is to note the temperature difference outside and inside your home. If your home is 15-20 degrees cooler than outside, it’s in perfect condition. 

Anything less might be a sign of something is wrong with your AC. 

You can also check the amount of air blowing out of your AC. If the air blowing doesn’t feel strong, that’s a performance issue. 

Need Help Staying Cool? Conway Is Here!

Understanding an AC’s efficiency is complicated. If you have any concerns, it’s time to call Conway Services! While your AC may still work, its lack of efficiency is costing you comfort and money. 

Conway Services always wants people to relax in their homes. Our 25 years of experience ensures our customers stay comfortable. 

Call 901-248-1961 to schedule an appointment to get your AC looked at today!