Energy-Efficient AC Unit

What is the Most Energy Efficient AC Unit in Pearland, TX?

Sit and savor the cool, crisp comfort of your home in the sweltering Texas heat, all while saving money and helping the planet.

Sounds like a dream, right? Yet, it's entirely within reach when you choose the most energy-efficient AC unit for your home in Pearland, TX.

This article unravels the mystery behind energy efficiency in air conditioning, guiding you through features such as EER and SEER ratings, variable-speed technology, and the role of smart thermostats.

We'll also explore how the size and capacity of an AC unit can impact its energy efficiency. By the end, you'll be equipped to make an informed decision to bring comfort, savings, and sustainability into your home.

Understanding Energy Efficiency in AC Units

Before buying one, you must understand the role of energy efficiency in AC units. It's got environmental and economic impacts. Efficiency refers to the unit's ability to cool your home without using too much energy.

In essence, it's about using less electricity in your air conditioning.

The most energy-efficient AC units offer advanced technology and fantastic cutting-edge design. These units can regulate temperature and humidity. And do that in an optimal way. So it's great for the environment and will save you money too.

The Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Unit

Choosing an energy-efficient unit has both short and long-term benefits.
In the short term, you'll start to see reduced electricity bills. A modern AC unit offers smart technology.

It operates only when it needs to and minimizes wasteful overcooling. You can also add programmable thermostats to give you extra control. This advanced technology will ensure you start to see significant savings.

In the long term, these savings begin to accumulate. You'll get to the point where your cost savings offset the money you spend on your AC unit.

Another benefit comes from lower maintenance expenses. Energy-efficient units have robust design features. It won't break so often, and you won't get ongoing problems. So you'll save money on expensive repair bills.

And the unit will last a long time, delaying when you need to spend money on a new system.

There is also the environmental impact. By consuming less electricity, you're reducing your dependence on power plants. In other words, it will help you contribute towards a decrease in greenhouse gases.

EER Ratings

EER refers to the Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently that cooling system operates. The measurement is based on when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level. A higher EER means better efficiency.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a bit different.

It measures the system efficiency over a season instead of a single temperature. It considers varying conditions, making it a more comprehensive efficiency rating. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the unit.

In short, when shopping for an energy-efficient AC unit, check both measurements. And shop for models with high EER and SEER ratings. They'll use less energy. And they will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Size and Capacity

Another two features you'll want to check are size and capacity. These play a pivotal role in the efficiency level of your AC unit.

But big isn't always better when it comes to air conditioning. A vast unit will cool your home quickly but won't be so swift at reducing humidity. So in the hot summer months, you could find your home clammy and uncomfortable.

On the flip side, tiny units won't work well cooling a hot home, and because they take longer, they use more energy.

The takeaway is that you must find a size and capacity that fits your home and climate. A larger home will need a bigger AC unit, but don't overdo it.

You should also consider other factors, such as your home insulation and the number and size of windows.

Variable Speed Technology

It's helpful to understand variable-speed technology in AC units. It impacts the energy efficiency of that system.

Older and more traditional AC units have on and off settings. They run on full power or not at all. And that's never the most efficient way to run a machine. So manufacturers invested in variable-speed technology to help make these units more efficient.

The change in speed allows the unit to adjust depending on the environment. If the temperature is mild, they will work in a slower setting. So you aren't using more power than you need.

Another bonus of variable-speed units is that they maintain a more consistent temperature. So they offer a more comfortable experience.

When buying an AC unit, always look for one with variable speed settings. They are likely to be some of the most energy-efficient brands.

Smart and Programmable Thermostats

If you're buying a new AC unit, look for one that offers smart or programmable thermostats. They offer you superior energy efficiency. Programmable thermostats will allow you to set the temperature at different times of the day.

So if you aren't at home, you can change the setting so it's not costing you as much money. But you can set them to cool the house right before you return home.

Smart thermostats work similarly, but they do this job for you. They learn how your household works and adjust and optimize the temperature. It's convenient and offers you the most cost savings.

The Most Energy Efficient Brands in Pearland, TX

Always use the factors we've already mentioned when shopping for an energy-efficient AC unit. But regarding brands, here are some of the makes currently on the market that you might want to consider.

  • Lennox Air Conditioner (SL29XCV Model)
  • Midea U-Shaped AC Unit
  • LG Duel Inverter
  • GC PHC08LY
  • Whynter (ARC 14S)

Why not reach out to our team for some advice? As part of our AC services, we can help guide you to the most current makes that best fit your home.

Finding an Energy-Efficient AC Unit: Your Next Step

Selecting the most energy-efficient AC unit is a smart, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible decision. It's about optimizing comfort while reducing energy consumption and costs.

If you're ready to make this investment in your home's comfort and sustainability, contact P&M HVAC. Our experienced professionals in Pearland, TX, are ready to guide you through every step of the process.

by HVAC Expert Jenni

How to Clean Your Air Conditioner for Houston Texas Residents

The average person spends around 1 percent of their home’s purchase price on maintenance each year. Without proper maintenance, it is only a matter of time before the vital systems in your home breakdown. Instead of dealing with the cost and aggravation this can cause, you need to take things like air conditioning maintenance in Houston seriously.

During the hot summer months, Houston homeowners will use their HVAC on a daily basis. This continuous use can lead to a unit getting overworked. The only way to keep your unit reliable throughout the summer months is by having it professionally maintained.

While professionals will need to handle the bulk of the maintenance your unit needs, there are some things you can handle on your own. Cleaning your HVAC unit thoroughly can make it run more efficiently and may help to reduce repair issues as well.

The following are some of the things you need to focus on when trying to clean your HVAC unit.

Check and Change the Air Filter

Indoor air quality is something you should be concerned with as a homeowner. Breathing in too much dust or other allergens can cause a number of respiratory problems. The first line of defense you have against these allergens is your HVAC unit’s air filter.

This filter is designed to catch dirt dust and pollen. As time goes by, the air filter will begin to get clogged and will need to be replaced. Failing to replace this air filter will not only lead to your indoor air supply suffering, it can also cause your unit to get overworked.

If you are using a pleated filter, you should be changing it out once every two months or so. Investing in a higher-quality filter will help you keep your indoor air supply clean and your unit functional.

Clean the Condenser Coil

Some homeowners get so fixated on maintaining the inside portion of their HVAC unit that they forget all about the outdoor portion. One of the important parts of your HVAC unit is the condenser coil, which is located on the outside of your home.

As time goes by, the condenser coil will begin to be affected by outdoor elements like dirt and even grass. If the fins on this coil are clogged, it will be hard for your unit to get the airflow it needs to operate. With a water host and the right cleaning solution, getting this coil clean is easy.

If you notice the fins on the condenser coil are bent, then investing in a fin tool is a good idea. With this tool, you can straighten out this problem before it does any real damage to your unit. If you are unsure about how to do this work, be sure to contact a reputable HVAC repair professional for help.

Make Sure the Drain Lines Aren’t Blocked

A home HVAC unit has a number of different parts. Unless all of these parts operate correctly in unison, it will be impossible to get the best performance out of your unit. The drain system an HVAC unit has helps to reduce the amount of condensation you have to deal with.

In some instances, dirt or even grass may clog up this drain line. If this happens, it will result in lots of water damage. Instead of dealing with this damage, you need to get in the habit of inspecting and cleaning the drain line if needed.

Using compressed air is a great way to blow out the line quickly. If you notice any leaks or other damage to this line, be sure to call in professionals immediately. With their help, you can get the drain line repaired in a timely manner.

Getting Your Ducts Cleaned

Having cool air blowing through the vents of a home is something most people take for granted. The only way you can get the cool air distributed throughout your home is with a functional and clean duct system. The older your home gets, the more problems you will start to experience with HVAC air flow.

Often times, these problems will be caused by dirty ductwork. If the ducts are clogged with dust, they will prohibit air from flowing as it should. Addressing this problem will require you to hire professionals to clean the ducts.

Some homeowners try to do this work on their own but usually fail to get the results they are after. This is why hiring a professional with the right tools is so important. They should have no problem getting the ducts cleaned in a hurry.

Lubricate Moving Parts

The motor bearings and other moving parts on your HVAC unit will dry out over time. Allowing them to stay dry may result in serious HVAC repair issues developing.

When cleaning your HVAC unit, you need to invest in a can of spray lubricant. With just a few squirts of this lubricant, you can help these parts do their job.

If you still notice squeaking after applying the spray lubricant, it may be time to replace the motor bearings. Waiting too long to address this problem may cause the unit to breakdown completely. This is why calling in professionals immediately is a good idea.

Hiring Professionals to Perform Air Conditioning Maintenance in Houston

When it comes to checking the refrigerant in your unit or addressing repair issues, working with professionals is your best course of action. Professionals can get air conditioning maintenance in Houston done in a timely and efficient manner.

Are you in need of HVAC repair or maintenance? If so, contact us now to find out more about the services we offer.

by HVAC Expert

Energy Efficient

Make Your Air HVAC System More Energy Efficient With These 3 Tips

It’s sweltering hot outside and you would like to crank up the AC, but are afraid it will cost too much. Here are three simple ways to make your air conditioning unit more energy efficient – and save you big bucks!

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

There is no need to keep your home chilly when no one is there, and according to the Department of Energy, if you raise the temperature by 10 degrees while you are at work, the savings could equal 15% of your total energy costs for the entire year!

If there are long stretches of time when no one is in your home, program the thermostat to raise the temperature during this period. It can also be programmed to crank up the air an hour or so before you get home so you will be comfortably cool when you step through the door.

One of the nice things about programmable thermostats is the ability to set it and forget it. That way the temperature inside of your home will always be exactly what you want when your family is home.

2. Clean Those Coils!

Everyone knows the importance of changing the filters on your HVAC system regularly, but when was the last time you cleaned the coils on your AC unit?

The fan on your outdoor air conditioning unit pulls in warm air to run over the coils for cooling, but it also pulls in a lot of dust – and sometimes even debris. Making sure that nothing is clogging these coils is essential to keeping energy costs down.

Be sure to regularly check the outside of the unit, keeping grass clipping, leaves, and other debris away. But don’t stop there. Be sure to vacuum or hose down the coils (with the electricity turned off), several times each season. For more thorough cleaning, be sure to call the experts at P & M Air Conditioning and Heating, the premiers heating and cooling specialists in the Houston Area.

3. Check Your Ducts and Registers

If the air can’t flow freely through your system, your air conditioning unit is going to have to work much harder, and this is going to cost you more. But, regularly vacuuming registers and clearing them of dust, dirt (and maybe even a few kids toys), along with sealing cracks and leaks in your ductwork can help save you between 10-30% on your cooling bills.

Superior HVAC Service in Houston

Ready to learn more about how to save energy costs? Call the experts at P & M. Air Conditioning and Heating today for a free consultation.

by HVAC Expert