Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your home, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will reduce energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or won’t be able to complete the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that go into determining the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of them are obvious, such as the square footage. Some factors are less evident, such as the amount of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your AC has to deal with.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require you to install a larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make a sound decision about the best AC unit for your home. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage, you can choose a model that is more suitable. You might need to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the expense of higher energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer time.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the 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 AC is determined largely by the square footage of your house. However there are other aspects that are important as well. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun could affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home can also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. If you leave your windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will only make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you notice any other sounds, it could be a sign that your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running can be caused by various problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to the unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rumble as it spins. Examine the inside of the unit to determine whether you have any of these issues. They could lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining sounds when it’s running. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as quickly as is possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of 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 low pressure side, via the metering device, which has a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue but it’s a good idea to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. This problem can be expensive to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or older air conditioner, it is important to maintain it. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it requires attention. It’s probably time to replace your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and will save you many dollars on your energy bills over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will ensure that 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 clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Make sure you use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies offer maintenance agreements that give customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced prices on accessories and parts. They can be a great choice 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 qualified technician is watching your system. In addition, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair for your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and provide suggestions for upgrades or repairs.
