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 rating, the more energy it will save. This will save you money on energy costs as well as extend the life 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 the amount you spend on energy costs. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through; you need to ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size could be too big 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 several different factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate of your region and the kind of materials you employed. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in, and could require you to use more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only way to make a truly precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a rough idea but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC system identified then you can search for a specific model. However, you should note that if you’ve made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is better. A larger unit can cool a house quicker, but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of 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 rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the most important factors that determine the size of your AC unit. There are also other factors to consider. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can impact the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also impact heat transfer. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. For instance, those who frequently leave doors and windows open will need to use their AC more frequently than a family that keeps them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is functioning properly, it should produce a light humming noise when it’s running. Any other sounds could signal problems with your unit that need to be addressed immediately for example, a buzzing sound or even an audible sound after the system is shut off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs could be the result of various issues. It is essential to have it checked as soon as you can to prevent any further damage to your unit. For example, the sound can be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed when your air conditioner emits a an eerie sound when it’s running. This can be due to debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can cause the fan’s movement to rattle. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce a whining sound when it’s running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts, which must be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through a metering device that has a small opening. Even though the hissing noise isn’t a major issue, it is always a good idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s new or old. A qualified professional can provide the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, check and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, verify proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate 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 sound are all signs that the system requires attention. It could be time to replace your system, especially in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim back any foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also hose down 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.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance agreements that include inspections twice a year, and also discounted prices on parts and accessories. They are a great option when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is watching your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers of contract when a problem occurs. It isn’t necessary to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
