Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend the life span of your unit.
The four primary kinds of air conditioners are window units central AC heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a big impact on how much energy you consume. It is important to take your time when choosing the right unit. It is essential to make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will either be too large to cool your home or won’t work at all. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that determine the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Certain of these aspects are obvious, like the area. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. This is because these devices produce a lot of heat that your AC has to handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you have employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to consider the level of insulation your house is, as well as the number and type of windows and doors. Some are designed to let plenty of heat through and could require that you use more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a precise 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 an expert is the best method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC system determined then you can search for a more specific model. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t think that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit will cool a house faster but it will cost you more energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. There’s also the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is determined largely by the square footage of your home. There are other aspects to consider. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as fast.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will make a light buzzing sound when operating. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be an indication that your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running could be the result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to check it out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it could be because of an obstruction within the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated 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, since they can result in a damaged compressor.
A whining noise is another common AC issue. This can be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through a metering device that has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal however, it is advisable to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. It can be costly to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A qualified professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this can help you find minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also check the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that the system needs attention. It could be time to replace your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as is possible. This means replacing filters on a regular basis as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping it free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also wash the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac specialists provide maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. These are a great option if you do not have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment yourself, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is in charge of your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. It isn’t necessary to wait for too long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A reliable contractor will provide an in-depth report of their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
