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 better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. The selection of the right model isn’t something to rush through. You must make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either work too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that determine the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC must handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your region and what type of materials you employed. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which may impact the size of your air conditioner. You should also think about how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and types of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let a lot heat in and could require that you use more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. However, it is important to remember that if you’ve made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that a bigger capacity is better. A bigger unit will cool a house faster however it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is determined largely by the size of your home. However there are other aspects that play a role as well. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun will influence the amount of heat that is transferred into your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as fast.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when selecting an AC unit. For instance, those who tend to open their windows and doors will require their AC more frequently than a family that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will only make a light buzzing sound when operating. If you notice any other sounds this could be a sign your unit is malfunctioning.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on can be a result of various problems, but it’s crucial to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s on. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that could cause the fan to rumble as it rotates. Examine the inside of your unit to determine whether there’s any of these issues. They can quickly lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows 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 possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, using a metering device that has a small opening. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it is always recommended to get an HVAC technician look into it just in case. This issue can be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, no matter if it’s new or old. A qualified professional can provide an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will allow you to detect small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It may also be time to think about a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected, and you’ll save lots of money on your energy bills over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it clear of debris will help you get the most years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs, and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance agreements that give customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. These are a great option if you do not have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment yourself or if you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Additionally, many contractors give contract customers priority service when a problem arises. You won’t have to wait too long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report of their findings, and will make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.