Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you purchase one for your home. The higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save money on energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. It’s important to take your time in selecting the right model. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the ideal size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as area. Some factors are less obvious, like the number of heating appliances or technologies in your home. This is because these items produce a lot of heat that your AC must manage.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials you have used. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and kind of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. You can make use of a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to use a manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you know the capacity of your AC system determined then you can search for a more specific model. It is possible to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit will cool your home faster, but at the cost of more energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. There’s also an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The area of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC unit. However there are other aspects which play a part as well. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can impact the amount of heat transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also have an impact. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. For instance, those who often open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more frequently than a family that keeps them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will make a slight buzzing sound when operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign your unit is malfunctioning.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs is a result of different issues. It is important to have it checked promptly to avoid further damage to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be because of an obstruction within the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they could lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce whining noise when running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be fixed as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a hissing sound coming from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound is not a major problem it is a good idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A certified professional will give your unit an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you find small problems before they become large ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that your system needs attention. It could be time to think about an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will allow you to get the most years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim any vegetation around the unit. You should also keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include inspections twice a year, as well as lower prices for parts and accessories. These are a great option when you don’t have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment on your own or you would like peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers when there is a problem. It isn’t necessary to wait long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.