Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs and will also extend 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 an AC unit can make a significant difference in how much you pay for energy. The selection of the right model isn’t something you should rush through; you need to ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. If it’s not the right size will either be too big to cool your home or will not function in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that go into determining the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of them are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. You should also think about the level of insulation your house is and the number and kind of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let a lot heat in, and may require that you use a bigger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these elements that you can make a precise decision about the best AC unit for your house. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get an idea of the general size however the most effective method to determine the size of AC you need is to have a Manual J load calculation completed by an expert.
When you know the amount, you can choose the model that is suitable. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t believe that a larger capacity is more efficient. A bigger unit will cool a house faster but at the expense of increased energy bills and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also notice the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the area of your home. There are other aspects to consider. For example, the number of windows and their position to the sun will affect the amount of heat that is transferred into your home. Insulation levels in your home will also impact heat transfer. Insulation is especially important since it will prevent cold air from leaving your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to take into account your family’s lifestyle and habits. For example, people who often leave doors and windows open will need to use their AC more often than a household that keeps them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that are sometimes available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it should only make a light humming sound when it’s running. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be fixed right away, such as an eerie sound or an audible sound after the system is shut off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs could be the result of different problems. It is essential to check it promptly to avoid further damage to your system. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s running. It could be due to debris or dirt that’s stuck in the unit, a damaged blade, or a loose component that could cause the fan to rumble when it turns. Examine the inside of your unit to determine whether there’s any of these issues. They could lead to a faulty compressor.
A whining noise is another typical AC issue. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be fixed as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. It’s expensive to fix this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or used air conditioner, it’s essential to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A trained professional can give an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will allow you to identify small problems before they turn into bigger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to consider replacing the system, particularly when your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the space around the unit free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Just be sure to use a standard garden hose and not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. You won’t need to wait long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
