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 rating, the more energy it can save. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on the amount of energy you use. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will be too big to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that affect the correct size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other factors are not as intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials that you have employed. Certain materials reflect heat and absorb it in different ways, which could impact the size of your AC unit. You also need to consider whether your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed to let a lot heat in and could require an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make a sound decision about the best AC unit for your home. A square footage chart will give you an idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by an expert is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC unit identified, you can shop for a specific model. You may need to increase the capacity of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t think that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit can cool a house faster however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also notice a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the area of your home. However there are other aspects which play a part in the same way. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Insulation levels in your home will also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from venting as swiftly.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who open their doors and windows wide open will require AC more often than those who keep them closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will only make a slight humming sound when it is operating. Other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be fixed right away, such as the sound of a buzzing or an audible sound after the system has shut off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on can be a result of many different issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage occurring to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick task that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to shake. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they could cause a compressor to fail.
A whining noise is another frequent AC problem. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed and allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure side of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it’s an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician look into it just in case. It could be costly to fix this problem so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or used air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A certified professional will give your unit an overall inspection, and this can help you find small problems before they become major ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It could be time to think about replacing the system, particularly when your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and will save you lots of money on your energy bills over the years. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. This includes replacing filters frequently as well as cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping it free of debris.
It is important to keep the area around the unit free of debris like leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some ac specialists provide maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment yourself, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. You won’t need to wait too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will provide an in-depth report on their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
