General

With so many technological advances in household devices, it can be tricky to be informed on every definition for every bit of machinery. We often see taglines and information on air conditioning units without any idea of what it means or how it affects the machine. Fortunately, we’re here to help and uncover the question, “What does 16 SEER air conditioner mean?”, so that customers can make the right decision when it comes to purchasing AC units.

What is a SEER Rating?

It’s important to understand the basics before we jump into the nitty gritty. So first, what exactly is a SEER rating? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A SEER rating is calculated to indicate the maximum level of efficiency the machine is running at. SEER shows much more efficient your unit is for the electricity that is being used.

Where Does a 16 SEER AC Fit in the Spectrum?

Through understanding what SEER stands for, we can adequately answer what does a 16 SEER air conditioner mean. A 16 SEER air conditioning unit is a great choice for any home as it will provide your home with an annual savings percentage of 19% when cooling your home. This is comparative to a 13 SEER system which is the lowest efficiency you can buy today.

The percentages for savings will continue to increase with the greater SEER ratings, meaning that a 20 SEER AC unit will run much more efficiently than a 16 SEER unit. It often depends on your budget to determine what SEER air conditioner you get. A 16 SEER AC is a fantastic choice and still provides a great level of efficiency, especially as older machines can operate at half this efficiency.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a High SEER Rating AC?

Installing a higher SEER air conditioning unit can produce many benefits in the home. These include:

Higher Energy Efficiency = Less Money on Bills

The biggest perk of purchasing a high SEER air conditioner is that the increased efficiency will mean lower bills. If you’ve found it difficult to pay for the rising bills in the summer seasons, then switching to a higher efficiency machine may help dramatically. Most higher SEER machines are going to be more expensive than your older units or the entry-level models. However, although it may be a lot of money at once, purchasing a machine with a greater SEER rating will eventually pay for itself.

Less Fossil Fuel Usage

Naturally, when your air conditioning unit is running at a greater efficiency, that means you’re not burning as many fossil fuels to produce the best cooling effect throughout your home. For anyone who wants to be slightly more conscious about their impact on the environment, switching to a higher SEER air conditioning unit will help.

Greater Reliability and Comfort

With a higher SEER rating on your AC, you can expect a greater level of reliability and comfort. The machines with higher SEER ratings tend to be more reliable as they’re newer models and will be able to cool your home quickly and efficiently.

This reliability combined with the fact that higher SEER units often have more components to cool down a home efficiently, you will find that your home reaches a more comfortable temperature at a faster rate. This is great for those sudden heat waves and days when you can’t cope with the increase in humidity or temperature.

If you’ve ever stumbled upon the words “14 SEER” on your air conditioner, chances are you have no idea what it means. The term 14 SEER consists of the value, the number 14, and the abbreviation, the letters SEER, which is a U.S. rating system that represents the energy efficiency of your air conditioner unit.

The SEER rating system was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and Air Conditioning in collaboration with the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. As a result, each air conditioner in North America received a SEER rating. The purpose of the SEER rating is to give consumers insight as to how efficient and sustainable an air conditioner is.

What Does SEER Stand For?

The abbreviation SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. The SEER value tells you the average amount of cooling you receive for each kilowatt of energy you purchase to run your air conditioner.

High vs. Low SEER Rating

Now that we have our answer to the question, “What does 14 SEER mean on an air conditioner?”, we can move on to the meaning of the number 14. The U.S. Department of Energy has set a minimum SEER rating per region as the SEER requirements differ by geographical location. If you live in warmer regions such as the Southeast or Southwest, the minimum required SEER rating should be 14 as opposed to 13 in the cooler North.

Purchasing an air conditioner with a higher SEER could offer greater comfort for your home. This is because higher SEER units are generally equipped with 2-stage or variable-speed compressors as well as a variable-speed blower.

Contrarily, air conditioner units with lower SEER rating are generally single-stage and run on one speed. This results in uneven cooling or warm and colder spots around the house. It can also mean higher humidity levels which in turn can make it feel hotter inside than it is.

The SEER Formula

The SEER rating of an air conditioner is the calculation of the efficiency of the unit. To understand precisely what 14 SEER means on an air conditioner, we should have a look at how the SEER is calculated. The formula for the SEER rating goes as follows: the air conditioner’s total cooling output (BTU) over a typical cooling season divided by its total energy input in Watt-Hours. The above applies to an air conditioner being used in the typical warm weather season.

Bear in mind that the SEER rating is the maximum efficiency rating in near-perfect conditions. This means a high SEER rating such as 20 refers to the maximum efficiency of an air conditioner unit. However, the actual efficiency could be lower depending on external factors such as the size and the level of isolation of your home.

Benefits Of High Seer Rating

Essentially, a higher SEER rating means a higher energy efficiency and contributes to a more sustainable environment. But the SEER rating can also help you with calculating the costs of running your air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating, the lower the costs as you will pay less for each kilowatt of energy per cool output. This is because a high SEER rating means the unit can get the full mileage out of every last kilowatt of energy.

What Is The Optimal SEER Rating?

To determine the desired SEER rating for your home, keep in mind that a higher SEER rating translates to a greater energy efficiency. Air conditioner units older than five years generally have a SEER rating between eight and ten, while modern air conditioners typically have a SEER rating ranging between 13 to 21.

A single digit means approximately a five percent increase in the energy efficiency. That’s why upgrading your air conditioner from 5 SEER to 14 SEER unit means a 45 percent increase in energy efficiency. In turn, this means you could have about 45 percent less energy costs. Even though there is no specific perfect rating, choosing an air conditioner unit with a SEER rating of 13 and over is a great choice.

What is Freon?

Freon is a brand name and registered trademark of The Chemours Company, to refer to their non-combustible gas that is used as a refrigerant in air conditioners. Freon repeatedly undergoes evaporation processes to help in producing cool air that is then circulated around your air conditioning system. Freon is also used as an aerosol propellant, and controversially, includes chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer.

What color is Freon in an air conditioner? Freon is colorless, and mostly odorless. Now while this may sound ideal, it does make it problematic for detecting if the substance is leaking from your air conditioning unit. But never fear. Manufacturers have long recognized this concern, and that is the reason that Freon is blended with refrigeration oil when used in air conditioning units, which has a green tint. Some Freon also has green ultraviolet visible color added to help with locating leaks.

Is Freon dangerous?

If contained within your air conditioning unit and not leaking, Freon is not likely to cause you any harm. If you spill a small amount on your skin, or lightly detect the odor in the air, any harm is likely to be mild. However, if Freon is inhaled deeply, it can cut off oxygen to your cells and lungs. Long term exposure to Freon leaks can cause irreparable brain and cell damage to the body, due to it being deprived of oxygen. In the worst cases, exposure to Freon leaks can even cause death from asphyxiation.

Freon therefore has the potential to be incredibly dangerous, and if people are not able to associate the signs of a leak with a problem that needs immediate attention, they can slowly suffocate over time. Freon leaks smell somewhere between sweet and chloroform, but keep in mind this is a very subtle smell, and you are better off relying on other leak detection methods.

Can you keep using your air conditioner if it is leaking Freon?

You should absolutely never continue to use your air conditioner if it is leaking Freon. Continued exposure to the leak will lead to hypoxia, which is the brain being starved of oxygen. This impacts your ability to think clearly and rationally, and has been shown to lead to instance of violent, unpredictable behavior. This state also makes it less likely you will be in a position to have the leak addressed, even if you were aware of it being a serious problem prior to your brain experiencing hypoxia. Eventually, death from asphyxiation will result for everyone being exposed to the leak.

What should you do if you have a Freon leak?

If you suspect you may have a Freon leak, you should firstly stop using your air conditioner immediately. Check the unit for any signs of a leak, looking for the distinctive green tinge in the added refrigeration oil. Also, seeing water on the floor near your unit, or feeling it is not running as efficiently as it normally does, could be indicators of a Freon leak. Other tell-tale signs are ice forming on your evaporator coils or hearing a hissing sound from your unit. If you detect a leak, or if you are still not sure, it is best to get a professional to inspect your air conditioning unit. They may be able to repair the leak so that you can get back to using your unit safely.

It is worth noting, however, that Freon has not been used in air conditioning units since 2010. These newer units instead use something called Puron (R410A), which studies have shown does not negatively affect the ozone layer. By 2015, Puron has been considered the standard for all new air conditioning units. And any units made since 2020 will not use Freon, due to a ban on the substance. If you are worried that your air conditioning unit may have a leak and are not sure whether it uses Freon, you should definitely stop using the unit immediately and call on the services of a professional.

There is nothing worse than driving on a hot day and turning on your car air conditioner to discover an unpleasant smell. Many people tend to accept this as just what happens to car air conditioners over time, and do not realise that it can often be easily, and cheaply fixed. Car air conditioners are not supposed to smell bad. If they are clean and working properly, they should not emit an odour at all. So, what causes a bad smell from a car air conditioner?

Possible Sources

A generally bad smell from a car air conditioner is most commonly caused by mold and bacteria. Over time, mold can grow and build up in your vents, which causes an unpleasant smell when you turn it on. As your car ages, bacteria, fungi, and micro-organisms will also start to grow, which worsens the smell. These usually grow behind the dash panel on the evaporator. Another common cause is build up of dirt, dust mites, and stagnant water in your car’s air filter. This can happen over time if the filters are not regularly, and properly cleaned.

Sometimes your car air conditioner may produce a more distinct smell, which can help you pin down the cause even more quickly. For example, if you smell gas whenever you turn your system on, it is likely your car has a gas leak. If the smell is sweet, however, this means you are leaking antifreeze, which is a highly toxic chemical and indicates you have a leak in your cooling system. 

How do you get rid of the smell from your car air conditioner?

Nobody likes having to put up with unpleasant smells, but luckily there are things you can do to fix the problem. The method will of course depend on the cause of the smell, and you will need to keep two stages in mind; cause and symptom. To properly fix the smell issue, you need to address both of these.

If your car smells bad due to mold, fungi, bacteria, and micro-organisms in your vents, you will need to give them a thorough clean. If the issue is dirt, dust mites, or stagnant water in your air filter, replacement is your best course of action. By the time an air filter reaches the stage of smelling bad, cleaning it is not likely to fix the problem.

If the smell is due to a leak, such as gas or antifreeze, the only way you can get rid of it is to get the leak fixed and then thoroughly clean your air conditioning unit to remove any residual odors.

Do you need to use expensive chemicals to clean your car air conditioner?

There are many cleaning solutions on the market for your car air conditioner, but if you do not want to spend a lot of money, or if you prefer not to use chemicals, there are other options. Vinegar and water solutions can be very effective cleaners and are something you can easily make in the home. Some people also use bleach and water solutions. It all comes down to your personal preference.

Can you prevent your car air conditioner becoming smelly?

While smells occurring in car air conditioners are unavoidable over time, being inevitable as your car ages, there are things you can do to delay this occurring. Avoiding turning your air conditioner on to full is one way. This makes it less likely to drip water, and dripping water inside the unit promotes the growth of mold and bacteria. Likewise, ensuring you drive your car regularly, and switching the unit on every so often outside of the summer months, can also slow the potential growth of mold, bacteria and other microorganisms.

Keeping your car clean, regularly serviced, and checking for leaks is another way to prevent unwanted air conditioner smells. Changing air filters regularly, and ensuring any leaks are fixed quickly, will also help you avoid unpleasant odors when using your car air conditioner.

Many homeowners notice their AC unit leaking water and are instantly filled with dread. Truth be told, not being able to cool in the middle of the hot summer days or warm yourself when temps drop outside can cause headaches. This guide is created to help deal with a leaking air-conditioner unit yourself and know whether it’s time to call a professional. Of course, it is always better to act proactively than try to fix a problem. In this case, ensure you have your HVAC unit tuned up every fall and spring by a pro. Then, you can address efficiency enhancements and little repairs all by yourself, especially if you’re a savvy homeowner.

So what causes a central air conditioner unit to leak water? Read on to find out!

The first course of action

If you find an AC leak, make sure you handle the problem immediately before it creates any major issues. This is because leaking air conditioners can “eat” your walls and destroy your ceilings — and anything else around them. With the slightest sign of an AC leak (i.e., water under the indoor air handler), turn off the unit at the breaker box.

Reasons for AC leaks

Below are some of the most common causes of air conditioner leaks:

1. Problem with the drain pan

The evaporator coil is housed in the drain pan, which is right underneath your indoor air handler. Note that air conditioners usually have two drain pans. One is permanently fixed and located underneath the evaporator coils, and the other is removable and is found underneath the unit. If your drain pan is cracked or overflowed, the pipe that’s connected to the drip pan won’t be able to discharge the condensate outside, causing the AC unit to leak.

What to do

First, clean the overflow pan using a wet-dry vac. Then, inspect the edges, corners, and bottom of the pan with a flashlight. If you notice any cracks in the drain pan, you can use a water sealant for a temporary fix. The best course of action, however, is to replace the damaged pan. Although you can replace the auxiliary pans yourself, it will be challenging to change the primary pan as it is welded in place. In this case, you will probably need the services of a professional.

2. Frozen evaporator coils

A clogged air filter is the primary reason behind a leaking air conditioner. When it’s dirty, it hinders the passage of air, which in turn freezes up the evaporator coils. When the airflow is obstructed or restricted, ice forms (remember that the refrigerant that uses the evaporator coils to flow through requires proper airflow to absorb heat effectively). As a result, water drips from the formation of ice. It should be noted that frozen evaporator coils can also cause issues to your compressor as the refrigerant can no longer take in the heat from the room. Not having enough refrigerant, blocked registers, dirty coils, a broken blower motor, and blocked vents can also be blamed for frozen evaporator coils.

What to do

Turn the AC unit off pronto. Only turn back on when the issue is remedied. Replacing your air filter every one to three months will also help avoid frozen evaporator coils. You can set calendar reminders to keep track of when you need to check your air filter. Not covering your registers or air vents will also do. Now if the problem is not solved even after you clear all your vents and replace your air filter, it’s probably best to call for the services of an HVAC professional.

3. Clogged condensate drain line

With the right tools, this one will be a relatively easy task for a DIYer. Debris, algae, and fungi can block the condensate line. That’s why it’s critical to clear it every now and then to help eliminate any fungi or algae that develop in the line. 

What to do

First, locate the PVC pipe, which usually has a piece of pipe sticking up with a small cap on it. It will normally be near the drain pan of the air handler. Unscrew the cap and pour vinegar down the drain line. Around six ounces will do. If the line does not get unclogged with that method, you may need to either clear the line yourself with a wet-dry vac or call a professional.

If you prefer to go with the DIY idea, connect the wet-dry attachment to the condensate drain line and turn the vacuum on. If your wet-dry vac does not feature such an attachment, you will most likely be able to find one in the nearest home improvement store. You will know it’s time to use a pro’s repair services if the drain line is not connected properly, despite your hard efforts.

Conclusion

Running into a leaking air conditioner? Now you know where to start looking for a solution to your problem and how to fix it! If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you always have the option to call an HVAC specialist. Good luck!

Does Colder Sound Good? Not When it’s Your AC Lines 

It may seem illogical, but the freezing of air conditioning lines is an extremely common problem for AC owners. It sounds as though your unit is working fantastically – as hitting freezing temperatures sounds pleasant in hot weather – but the freezing of these lines will cause your machine to run at a lower efficiency — and eventually stop working completely. If you’re looking to avoid this happening or want to fix an issue you already have, then our advice on what causes an air conditioner line to freeze up may be beneficial for you.

Why Are My AC Lines Freezing? 

One of the main reasons why the lines in your AC are freezing is due to the evaporator coil becoming too cold. This should not usually happen and is a product of another problem within the unit. If everything was working efficiently, then the evaporator coil would absorb the heat from the air and cool it. However, through other issues in your system, this process has been impeded, and therefore absorbs less heat and causes ice to form on the coil. Over time, this production of ice on the coil will spread to the lines, therefore causing them to freeze.

Machine Faults to Fix Yourself to Prevent Line Freezing

 If you’re confident with your handyman skills, then there are some issues that you can fix yourself to prevent your air conditioning lines from freezing:

Clogged Air Filter

If the filter is not badly clogged, then you should be able to clean it by washing it with warm soapy water. Afterwards, leave it to dry for a while and put it back in the machine. If the filter is badly clogged, then it will require a replacement part which is easy to fit and source yourself.

Blocked Vents

Whether it’s a supply or return vent, if there is any sort of blockage, then this can cause your lines to freeze as the process of distributing cooled air has been compromised. Simply check for any dirt or objects that could be blocking the vent and preventing the AC from processing air.

This Calls for Professionals! Jobs You Should Not Try Yourself

What’s causing your air conditioner line to freeze up will hopefully be a relatively simple fix, but there are more complicated issues which will need a professional touch. Problems that will require a technician include:

• Low Refrigerant and Refrigerant Leaks
• Slowed or Stationary Blower Fan
• Dirt on Coils
• Compromised Air Ducts

HVAC technicians exist for a reason. They have specialist tools which can diagnose the problem with your unit and effectively repair it without causing damage to themselves, anyone around them, or the property. Furthermore, someone who is not trained is likely to cause more faults within the machine that make it more expensive to fix when you inevitably give in and hire a technician.

If you’re worried about the cost, shop around for a while and see what options become available. Plus, regularly servicing your machine will prevent major problems occurring and cost you less money in the future.

Panic Stations! Why Isn’t the AC Working?

Nobody wants to face the daunting challenge of getting through the summer without a working air conditioner. In hotter climates, it can be potentially dangerous to go without an air conditioning unit — and in all honesty, no fun either. Considering this, it can be concerning when your AC suddenly decides to stop cooling the air inside your home. However, you don’t have to stress as we outline what can cause an air conditioner to stop working, so you can get it up and running again. So what can cause an air conditioner to stop working? We’ll explore this question below.

H2 Mechanical Issues on Your AC 

Broken or ineffective parts are one of the biggest sets of issues that will cause an air conditioner to stop working. Any of the following parts can be the issue with your AC:

•  Expansion Valve
• Cooling/Condensing Coils
• Compressor
• Ducts

A faulty expansion valve will cause your AC to stop working as it regulates how much refrigerant is moving between the two coils, therefore affecting how effective your unit is at cooling your home. However, these issues may also be caused by a damaged compressor as the part will not be able to circulate refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.

Similarly, the effectiveness of the air flow your air conditioner is producing may be affected by either the cooling or condensing coil. Freezing or dirt build-up will prevent the coils from working correctly and impede the transfer of warm or cool air.
 

Lastly, if the ducts connecting various parts of your AC together are damaged, then the transfer of hot and cold air will be disrupted.
 

Any one of these issues can be what can cause an air conditioner to stop working and can often be costly to fix. However, when mechanical parts are involved, it’s best to call a professional to fix your unit.

Depleted Refrigerant 

Another technical issue that can cause problems with your air conditioner is the depletion of refrigerant. The refrigerant is a vital component for ensuring your AC unit is still working. Furthermore, the amount of refrigerant in your machine must match the exact specifications of the manufacturer, making it a specialist job for a technician.

Clogged Air Filters and Obstructed Units 

Common problems that can easily be fixed without professional help are clogged air filters and unit obstructions outside. Keeping filters relatively clean should prevent having to replace them. However, if it has gotten to the point where your filter is extremely clogged, then you will need to get it replaced. These are easy enough to remove yourself, meaning you can save a bit of money.

If you have been a bit lax with landscaping in your backyard, then this can cause problems for your AC. If there’s overgrown foliage around your air conditioner, then the air flow can be obstructed, meaning the unit cannot circulate air as effectively.

Thermostat Issues 

The last common problem that plagues air conditioning units is incorrectly calibrated thermostats. This fault means that the AC is not receiving instructions correctly and therefore is not able to accurately cool the room to the temperature you desire.

As with the clogged air filters and obstructed units fixing thermostat issues tends to be very simple. If you have the option, then recalibrating your thermostat should be easy and the instructions to do so can be found in the manual that came with your machine. Or, you can get the thermostat replaced if it’s too old.