Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs as well as extend the life span of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you use. It is important to take your time in selecting the right model. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will be too big to cool your home, or will not work at all. This can cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your house.
There are many different aspects that affect the proper size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these factors are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which may impact the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed to let a lot heat in and could require you to use more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make an accurate decision about the best AC unit for your house. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you have the capacity of your AC determined then you can search for a specific model. You might need to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your home since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t assume that a bigger capacity is better. A bigger unit will cool your home more quickly but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out more quickly. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the main factors that determine the size of your air conditioner. However, there are other factors that play a role in the same way. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun could affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from leaving as swiftly.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who leave their windows and doors open will need to use AC more often than those who close them. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a slight humming sound when it is operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of various issues, but it’s essential to have it checked promptly to prevent further damage from occurring to the unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit, a damaged blade, or a loose component that could cause the fan to shake as it rotates. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. This could be due to the fact that the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
A refrigerant leak is typically the reason for a hissing sound coming from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using an instrument for metering that has a small opening. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is a good idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in the event of. It could be costly to correct this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s brand new or old. A certified professional will conduct an all-encompassing inspection. This will help you identify minor issues before they grow into large ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all indications that the system requires attention. It could be time to consider a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will help you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim back any foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Certain AC specialists offer maintenance agreements that give customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower costs on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option if you do not have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment on your own or you would like peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. You won’t have to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
