Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home, you want one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER the better energy is saved. This will save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you consume. Selecting the right unit isn’t something you should rush through; you need to make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will be too large to cool your home or won’t work at all. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the right 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 the area. Other aspects aren’t so intuitive, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
You should also consider the climate of your area and the type of material you employed. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also think about how well insulated your home is and the number and kind of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let a lot heat in and could require that you use more of an AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only way to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a general idea but the best way to find out what size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. But, it is important to note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit will cool a house faster but it will cost you more energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the primary factors in determining the size of your AC unit. However there are other aspects that are important as well. The amount of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from exiting your home as fast.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when deciding on an AC unit. For instance, those who tend to open windows and doors will have to use their AC more often than a family that keeps them shut. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal problems with your unit that require to be fixed right away for example, the sound of a buzzing or an erupting sound after the system has shut off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on could be the result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to check it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage from happening to your unit. For instance, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter it’s a simple and quick task to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. Check the inside of your unit to see if there are any of these problems. They can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC problem is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t sealed properly, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because of a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering system with a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal but it’s a good idea to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. It could be costly to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you spot small issues before they become larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or hear a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that the system requires attention. It might be time to think about a replacement, especially if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the course of time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will ensure that you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of any debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option for those who do not have time to maintain your own equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is observing your system. Additionally, many companies offer priority service to customers on contract whenever a problem occurs. You won’t have to wait too long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a detailed report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
