First house, worried about the electric bill.

I recently moved into a house in Texas with 2 roommates. This is the first time any of us have lived in a house since we moved out of our parents' places. The last tenants (we are renting, not buying) trashed the place and the landlord cut us a deal because we agreed to fix it up. We got a pretty steep discount on move-in expenses and he pays for parts, paint, carpet, etc. - we do all the labor. It's a great arrangement for everyone.

 

Everything is pretty much done now and the house actually looks pretty nice, especially compared to the condition it was in when we started. The only thing I am nervous about is this air conditioner. I first noticed that it might not be cooling adequately after we had the electricity turned on. I chalked it up to the extra initial load of having to cool the house down from 90F the first day or so, but I bought a laser/infrared thermometer just to be sure.

 

I have read that an 18 to 20 degree difference is pretty standard. This A/C unit however, puts out a difference of about 14-16 degrees from the intake to the nearest output vent. It also seems like it is on more frequently than other A/C units at places I have lived at in the past.

 

I don't have an HVAC experience, or more importantly any HVAC tools, but I am an avid DIYer and have learned every trade I have ever needed. I generally turn to the internet to learn anything I don't already know.

 

So, a couple of questions: - Is there a better, more empirical way to measure the A/C unit effectiveness other than temperature readings? e.g. a way to check refrigerant levels, any electrical components I can prod with a multi-meter, etc. - Would the A/C unit's output improve by being recharged/serviced/maintenanced by an HVAC technician? - Is there anything I can do (besides replace the filter) that would improve the system's output?

 

I appreciate y'alls time as I'm sure my questions have been asked here before. I think the landlord would send a tech if I asked him too, but he is kind of a scrooge about spending money so I don't want to look like an uninformed jackass, or worse - a whiny bitch. I would hate for him to send a tech out here only for the tech to tell me to quit complaining and that the unit is fine. This being our first house and all, I figured I could find some answers here before I ask the landlord.

 

Thanks

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