Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you buy one for your home. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it can save. This will save you money on energy costs as well as extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through; you need to make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or will fail to complete the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, like the area. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner has to deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and what type of materials you used. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can 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 are designed to let lots of heat in, and may require more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these aspects that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator performed by an expert is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you know the capacity of your AC unit figured out, you can shop for a more specific model. You may need to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your home since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is better. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the expense of higher energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. There’s also 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 main factors in determining the size of your air conditioner. There are also other factors to consider. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation to the sun will affect how much heat is transferred into your home. The insulation levels within your home also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from escaping as swiftly.
It’s also important to think about the habits of your family and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. For example, people who often open windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than a family that keeps them shut. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. Other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that need to be fixed right away for example, the sound of a buzzing or an audible sound after the system shuts off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on could be the result of many different issues, but it’s essential to have it checked promptly to prevent further damage from happening 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 to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s running. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. Examine the inside of your unit to see whether you have any of these issues. They can cause a compressor to fail.
A whining noise is another typical AC problem. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed and allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be fixed as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using the metering device, which has a small orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it’s recommended to get an HVAC technician examine it just in the event of. It could be costly to correct this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s new or old. A certified professional will give your unit an all-encompassing inspection. This will help you identify small issues before they turn into 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 clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven temperature in the room, inability to start the system or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, especially when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the course of time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts for as long as it can. This means replacing filters regularly cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping the unit free of any debris.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs, which could restrict airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance agreements that include twice-yearly inspections, as well as reduced prices on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice for those who don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a trained technician is observing your system. In addition, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. This means you don’t be waiting long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air conditioning. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.