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 greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more 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 and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in the amount you pay for energy. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You must ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will either be too big to cool your home or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the ideal size unit for your house.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Some factors are less evident, such as the amount of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. This is because these appliances generate a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials you have used. Some materials reflect heat and absorb it in various ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. You should also consider the level of insulation your house is and the number and types of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat into the house and will require you to use a larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these elements that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you know the capacity of your AC identified then you can search for a specific model. However, it is important to remember that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool your home faster, but at the cost of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the size of your home. However, there are other factors which play a part too. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the quantity 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 leaving your home as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. If you leave your windows and doors open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. In addition, a newer model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will make a slight humming sound when it is running. Other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that need to be fixed right away like the sound of a buzzing or an erupting sound after the system shuts off.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs is a result of various issues. It is important to check it at the earliest opportunity to avoid further damage to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s running. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotation to shake. Examine the inside of the unit to determine whether you have any of these issues. They can cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is another typical AC issue. This can be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which must be fixed immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through the metering device, which has a small opening. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. It can be costly to correct this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or older air conditioner, it is important to keep up with maintenance. A qualified professional can provide an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will allow you to identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, verify proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It might be time to consider a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will help you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is important to keep the space around the unit free of obstructions such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Just be sure to use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance contracts which include twice-yearly inspections, and reduced prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option if you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. Many contractors also give priority service to contract customers when there is a problem. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.
