Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you should choose one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it can save. This will save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in how much you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will fail to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the best size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Some factors are less obvious, like the number of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC has to deal with.
You should also take into consideration the climate in your area and what type of materials you employed. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed for letting lots of heat in and could require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these aspects that you can make a precise 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 method to determine the size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you’ll be able to select a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that a larger capacity is better. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but it will cost you more energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also see the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the main factors in determining the size of your air conditioner. There are other aspects to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when choosing an AC unit. For instance, those who tend to open windows and doors will need to use their AC more frequently than a household that keeps them closed. You can also look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the price of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner is functioning well, it will make a slight humming sound when it’s operating. Other sounds could indicate issues in your unit that need to be fixed right away for example, the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system has shut off.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different issues. It is essential to check it as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage to your unit. For instance, the sound can be a sign that it’s time to change your air filter it’s a simple and quick task to perform that doesn’t require a specialist.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s running. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that can cause the fan to rumble as it spins. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is a frequent AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or older air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system or loud and squeaky sounds are all signs that it requires attention. It could be time to consider an upgrade, especially if your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the course of time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dirt will allow you to get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the space around the unit free of obstructions, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could restrict airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit clean. Make sure you use a standard garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced prices on accessories and parts. They are a great choice if you do not have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is watching your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers when a problem occurs. You won’t have to wait long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.
