Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the lifespan of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners include: window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. It’s important to take your time when choosing the right unit. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to complete the task at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that determine the proper size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, such as area. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your AC must handle.
You should also consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you used. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. You also need to consider whether your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed for letting a lot heat in, and may require that you use a bigger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a rough idea however the most effective method to determine the size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage, you can choose a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the capacity of your air cooling system if you’ve made any changes to your house since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that a bigger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit can cool a house faster but at the expense of higher energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is largely determined by the area of your house. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the amount of windows and their orientation towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred into your home. Insulation levels in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is especially important since it prevents cold air from leaving your home as fast.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. For example, people who often open windows and doors will require their AC more frequently than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will make a light sound that hums when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be caused by various issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to your unit. For example, the sound can be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that doesn’t require a specialist.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction within the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck inside the unit or by a damaged blade or a loose component that could cause the fan to rumble as it rotates. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they could lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining sounds when it’s running. It could be that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Although the hissing sound is not a major problem, it is always an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in case. It can be costly to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or old air conditioner, it’s essential to maintain it. A qualified technician can conduct an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that the system requires attention. It might be time to consider an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of debris will help you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the surrounding area free of any debris, such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs, which could hinder airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some AC companies provide maintenance contracts that provide customers with two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced rates on parts and accessories. They can be a great option if you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. You won’t have to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.