Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house, you want 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 costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit can have a major impact on how much energy you consume. It is important to take your time when selecting the best unit. You must make sure that your new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. An incorrectly sized unit is either working too hard to keep your home cool or will fail to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these factors are obvious, such as area. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. This is because these items produce a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
You should also consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you used. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is as well as the quantity and types of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed for letting plenty of heat through and might require you to use an even larger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors into account is the only way to make a truly accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator conducted by a professional is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you require.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC unit determined, you can shop for a specific model. However, you should note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t think that a larger capacity is more efficient. A bigger unit will cool a house more quickly but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also notice an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the area of your house. There are also other factors to consider. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. For instance, those who tend to open their windows and doors will require their AC more frequently than a family that keeps them closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can help lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more efficient than an older unit.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign that your unit is malfunctioning.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on 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 being caused to the unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter, which is an easy and quick job that doesn’t require a specialist.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s turned on. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that can cause the fan to shake when it turns. Examine the inside of your unit to determine whether there’s any of these problems. They can lead to a faulty compressor.
A whining sound is another frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed and allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. It could be costly to fix this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also test the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts as long as it can. This includes changing filters regularly, cleaning and wiping it down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim back any foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Be sure to use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s parts.
Some ac specialists now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower rates on parts and accessories. They can be a great option when you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is watching your system. Additionally, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. This means you don’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.