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 greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four primary kinds of air conditioners are: 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 pay for energy. It’s important to take your time when choosing the right unit. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will fail to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that go into determining the proper size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these devices produce a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials you have employed. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should think about how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let plenty of heat through, and may require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these elements that you can make a sound 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 but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select the model that is suitable. You might 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
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a house quicker but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC. However, there are other factors which play a part as well. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is particularly important because it prevents cold air from escaping your home as quickly.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. For instance, those who often leave doors and windows open will have to use their AC more often than households that keep them shut. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it should make a light humming sound when it’s operating. Other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that need to be fixed right away, such as a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system shuts off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs is a result of different problems. It is important to get it checked promptly to prevent further damage to your unit. For example, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter it’s a simple and quick task that doesn’t require a specialist.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to shake as it rotates. Check the inside of your unit to determine whether you have any of these issues. They can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a typical AC problem. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be repaired as quickly as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs 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 sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case 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 will conduct an overall inspection, and this will help you identify minor issues before they grow into large ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or making the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it needs attention. It could be time to consider a replacement, especially if your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills over time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim any vegetation around the unit. You should also keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include inspections twice a year, and also reduced prices on parts and accessories. These are a great option for those who don’t have the time or the knowledge to maintain your equipment on your own or if you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers of contract when a problem occurs. This means you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air cooling. A reputable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report of their findings, and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.