Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient

When purchasing an ac unit for your house you should choose one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the life span 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 the size of your AC unit can have a big impact on the amount of energy you consume. It is important to be patient in selecting the right model. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size could be too large to cool your home or will not function in any way. This can cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.

There are a variety of factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of them are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your AC has to deal with.

It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials that you have employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to think about 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 use a 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 will give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you require.

Once you know the tonnage, you can choose an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new space.

Energy Efficiency

When shopping for an AC unit, don’t assume that a larger capacity is more efficient. A bigger unit will cool a home faster but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer time.

British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.

The size of your house is one of the primary factors that determine the size of your AC unit. However, there are other factors which play a part in the same way. 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. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is especially important since it will prevent cold air from leaving your home as fast.

When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. For example, people who tend to leave doors and windows open will require their AC more frequently than a household that keeps them closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more efficient than a unit that is older.

Noise

When your air conditioner works properly, it will produce a sound that hums when it’s running. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be addressed immediately for example, the sound of a buzzing or an erupting sound after the system has shut off.

The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different problems. It is crucial to check it as soon as you can to prevent further damage to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.

It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s turned on. It could be due debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.

A whining noise is another common AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired immediately.

If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician in case of. It can be costly to correct this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.

Maintenance

It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, no matter if it’s brand new or old. A certified professional will give your unit an overall inspection, and this will help you identify small issues before they turn into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter as needed.

Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it needs attention. It’s probably time to replace your system, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.

A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts as long as is possible. This includes changing filters regularly, cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping it free of dirt.

It’s important to keep the surrounding area 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 in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.

Some ac specialists provide maintenance contracts that buy customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced prices on accessories and parts. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment on your own, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers who contract with them when a problem occurs. You won’t need to wait for too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.