A well-maintained HVAC system is necessary if you want it to continue running in top condition, especially during the summer. Should an issue arise with your unit, you won’t have second thoughts about having it repaired as soon as possible. If you’re wondering how to find a good “air conditioning repair provider near me”, then you needn’t look further than our service providers at Albert Air.
When the time comes that you need more than just a repair, don’t rush to get a replacement unit just yet. First you need to know which type of unit is best for your home, and that means checking out the units’ efficiency labels. To understand how these labels work, here’s a guide to help you:
The EnergyGuide® & ENERGY STAR® Label
The EnergyGuide label is managed by the Federal Trade Commission, more commonly known as the FTC. This is a required label that estimates the annual energy consumption for an appliance and provides additional information about whether that use is above or below the average for that type of product. The dollar amount at the bottom of the EnergyGuide is the estimated yearly operating cost based on the national average cost of electricity.
Meanwhile, the ENERGY STAR label is the government’s symbol for energy efficiency. It helps consumers easily recognize highly-efficient products, homes and buildings that help save energy and money, which in turn helps protect the environment. When it comes to air conditioning service and replacement, make sure to look for this logo, especially if you’re planning to upgrade to a more energy-efficient HVAC system. This is usually incorporated into the EnergyGuide label on most certified products.
How the EnergyGuide Label Helps You
If you’re finding it difficult to pick from among all the different HVAC models, you can compare their EnergyGuide labels and check their efficiency ratings and features. All the data you need to make easy side-by-side equipment comparisons can be found on these labels, including:
Specific unit details – These are found at the top right corner of the label. You’ll find the model number, size and manufacturer’s name. The left side lists the equipment type and the unit’s main features.
ENERGY STAR logo – If you see this logo displayed at the bottom right of the label, you’ll know that the unit is recommended by professional HVAC repair and replacement contractors and is built with features that can boost energy efficiency by up to 15 percent over a comparable basic model.
Regional efficiency standards – On central AC and heat pump systems, the EnergyGuide label displays a map of the United States with a list of states where the equipment can be installed.
Kilowatt-hour energy consumption – Some labels list an estimate of the kilowatt hours a unit will consume annually. This helps you determine its approximate yearly operating costs: just multiply this figure by your supplier’s energy rate.
Energy efficiency rating – The information on the label’s middle section varies based on the type of unit or equipment. Professional air conditioning service technicians may check this to learn the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) as well as the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for heat pump units. Furnaces and boilers show the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating.
Other HVAC Efficiency Labels With Which You Need to Be Familiar
In addition to EnergyGuide labeling, you’ll also find other service labels on some HVAC units. Many contractors add these labels to equipment to inform homeowners when preventative maintenance, furnace filter changes or other services are needed.
These service reminder labels are a great way to remember when your unit needs professional care and possible HVAC repair. Preventative maintenance should be performed at least twice a year; once before heating season, and again before cooling season. The service sticker on your equipment will tell you when your system’s last date of service was so that you can schedule your maintenance tune-up on time each season.
The service label from your trusted HVAC contractor also serves as a record of the care your system has received. This can come in handy if you plan to sell your house later on. Preventative maintenance works to extend system service life and reduce breakdowns, which provides added value to buyers. In fact, they’ll more likely to go for a home that’s well-maintained, especially if they see that your HVAC system has been professionally serviced throughout the years.
When you’re searching for “air conditioning repair near me”, know that you can’t go wrong with Albert Air. Call us at (714) 526-6368 or fill out our convenient online request form to get started!