Nearly 90% of U.S. homes have air conditioning – it’s people’s response to the fact that the last decade, 2014-2023, was the hottest in U.S. meteorological history. Furthermore, heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). But standard air conditioning solutions don’t always work. For example, according to AP News, more than 2,300 people have died from excessive heat during this time, and only insurance companies know how many equipment failures have occurred.
In practice, the statistics are felt when you come home hoping for coolness, only to be greeted by the humming sound of the air conditioner at full power, without the effect of cooling, which is not designed for high temperature loads. It turns out that just having an air conditioner is not enough. You need something extra – for example, after AC installation, you need tricks that allow to increase the efficiency of standard HVAC unit solutions. If you are also tired of suffering from the heat in your own home, follow us on the topic – how to beat the heat!
During extreme heatwaves, keeping your home cool becomes a priority for both comfort and energy efficiency. One of the best ways to combat rising temperatures is by enhancing your home’s insulation. For homeowners in Texas, Houston spray foam insulation offers an effective solution to minimize heat transfer and reduce energy costs. This type of insulation provides a reliable barrier, keeping cool air in and hot air out, ensuring your home remains comfortable during the hottest days.
Tips and tricks for staying cool
The standard solutions to high indoor temperatures, whether at home, in the office, or in the gym, include measures not directly related to AC unit. First, close blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight, which can reduce temperatures by 33%, according to Bob Vila. Running ceiling or attic fans can also help circulate air. Another non-technical solution is to open windows and doors in the evening or early morning to air out and cool rooms.
But with temperatures rising every year, there is little hope of achieving thermal comfort without the technological side of the solution. The experts at Alpha Mechanical have shared their expertise with us – tips to help you improve the efficiency of your air conditioner (condenser type):
- Clean filters and coils regularly: Over time, the AC unit components become clogged with dust, and condensation turns it into dirt that no air can pass through – one of the most common efficiency losses. Routine air conditioner maintenance should be done once a year, but for hot and humid climates like Sacramento, experts recommend every 6 months.
- Optimize thermostat settings: This means lowering the preset temperature for winter and raising it 5-8° F for summer. In addition to optimizing unit performance, this will save energy and extend the life of the HVAC unit.
- Seal air ducts: Leaks are the second leading cause of efficiency loss in closed systems. The solution is to provide not only airtight duct insulation, but also thermal insulation.
The measures listed above are mechanical means of improving the efficiency of air conditioners. For the advanced, there is an extra solution to the problem – smart thermostats. The fact is that in any type of air conditioner, the thermostats control the operation of the fans. In mechanical ones, they read the temperature in the room and turn the fan on or off to maintain the set temperature in a room. Smart thermostats do the same thing, only the perimeter of their temperature reading is the whole area of your house, and the feedback is not only on the fan of the air conditioner itself, but also on the components of the cooling, heating and ventilation system. It can be used to regulate the climate according to a predetermined schedule or scenario throughout the house.
Imagine coming home in the winter and having your home greet you with cozy warmth, so that when you go to bed, you’re greeted with a soporific coolness – all without your intervention. Using special switches & software, smart thermostats can even be integrated into outdated air conditioning systems.
How to choose an air conditioner?
The most effective way to solve a problem is to prevent it. In the context of dealing with abnormal temperatures with air conditioners, their effectiveness should be a matter of discussion before they are installed.
So, here are the factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner that is expected to operate in harsh climatic conditions:
- SEER-rating (Seasonal Cooling Efficiency Ratio) – this indicates the energy efficiency of the air conditioner. If you live in San Francisco, New York or Phoenix – the most vulnerable cities in terms of sea level rise, extreme heat and water shortages – your choice is a model with a higher SEER (16+). For Sacramento, CA – not less than 14+.
- Budget: The higher the SEER rating of a model, the more expensive it is. So efficiency is measured in dollars.
- Type of AC Unit:
- Window units – for small rooms.
- Portable – convenient, but not efficient enough.
- Split systems – wall mounted, provide even distribution of climate.
- Smart Features: Your choice should fall on an air conditioner that supports programmable operating scenarios, remote control, integration with other Internet of Things (IoT) like smart thermostats, motion and vibration sensors, smart blinds, smart home systems. Another must-have feature is integration with voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa).
If your choice of air conditioner is limited by budget, don’t compromise on quality. Save on this feature or service area. At Alpha Mechanical, firmly believe that there’s no room for compromise when it comes to the installation of an air conditioning system – only certified specialists can do it.
The bottom line
Americans spend about 12% of their total energy costs to keep their air conditioners at a comfortable temperature, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). But spending money on comfort isn’t enough. As the heat heats up, traditional HVAC units play a key role, they aren’t always up to the challenge of today’s extreme temperatures. That’s where smart technology, regular maintenance and thoughtful home design come to the rescue, significantly improving your air conditioner’s efficiency and ensuring that your home remains a haven from the heat.
Remember, the best defense against crippling weather lies not only in the unit you choose, but also in how you use and maintain it. Be proactive, perform regular check-ups, and integrate smart systems to extend the efficiency of your air conditioner throughout your living space. Once you’ve made your choice, don’t forget to hire the professionals to install your air conditioner so you can enjoy comfort no matter how high the mercury rises!
