Your AC system’s efficiency has a direct impact on your utility bills. Evaluate your system to see if you’re getting the energy efficiency you deserve. If your air conditioner is underperforming, we can help.

Check the SEER Rating

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the most accurate way to gauge the efficiency of your air conditioner. The SEER tells you the cooling output divided by the energy used over the summer months. New air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 13, but most units do better than that. The average SEER rating for air conditioners currently in operation is 16, but high-efficiency models often rate 23 or higher. You’ll find ratings as high as 26 on some of the latest models.

Watch Your Utility Bills

Your utility bills are a prime indicator of diminishing efficiency. If you’re seeing a steady increase in your utility bills without any major changes in your AC use, this is a sign that your air conditioner isn’t performing as it should. Compare your utility bills for the same month from different years for a good indicator of whether your efficiency is trending downward.

Pay Attention to the Cycles

Your air conditioner should run in cycles of about 15 minutes roughly two or three times an hour. If your cooling system cycles more frequently or runs for longer, you may have an undersized air conditioner that can’t keep up with your home’s needs. If the AC system runs in shorter cycles, it may be too large for your home. In both cases, your energy efficiency will suffer.

If your air conditioner isn’t running efficiently, you can begin with a tune-up to help improve performance. During this visit, our technicians can also evaluate your cooling system to determine if it’s improperly sized or simply nearing the end of its lifespan. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Baton Rouge provides the personalized recommendations you need for a more efficient home.