Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners include: window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you pay for energy. It’s important to take your time when selecting the best unit. It is essential to make sure that your new air conditioner will fit your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will be too big to cool your home or won’t work in any way. This can cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the right size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that go into determining the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the area. Some factors are less obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your air conditioner has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve employed. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is and the number and type of doors and windows. Some are designed for letting plenty of heat through and might require more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make an accurate decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a rough idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC identified, you can shop for a more specific model. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t assume that a larger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit will cool a home faster however it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also notice an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower rating indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the size of your house. However there are other aspects that play a role too. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation to the sun will affect the amount of heat transferred into your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also have an impact. Insulation is especially important since it prevents cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who leave their doors and windows wide open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working properly, it should make a light humming sound when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal issues with your unit that require to be fixed right away like the sound of a buzzing or an audible sound after the system is shut off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running could be the result of various issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter it’s a simple and quick job that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. This can be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that can cause the fan to rumble as it spins. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they could result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce whining noise when running. This can be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly and allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via a metering device that has a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem however, it’s a good idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in the event of. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s brand new or old. A certified professional will conduct an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you spot minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It may also be time to consider an upgrade, especially when your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected, and you’ll save many dollars on your energy bills over the course of time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will allow you to get the most years out of your ac unit.
It is important to keep the surrounding area free of any debris like leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac specialists provide maintenance contracts that buy customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option if you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. This means you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
