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 greater the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs as well as extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners are: window units central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you use. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through; you need to ensure your new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or will not be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as the square footage. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in 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 area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have employed. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in different ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. You should also think about the degree of insulation your home is, as well as the number and types of windows and doors. Some of these are designed for letting plenty of heat through and could require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these aspects that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a general idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC unit figured out and you are able to shop for a model that is more specific. It is possible to increase the power of your air cooling system if you’ve made any changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t think that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit can cool your home more quickly, but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. There’s also a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the size of your home. However there are other aspects that are important in the same way. For example, the number of windows and their position to the sun will affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is especially important since it prevents cold air from escaping your home as fast.
It’s also important to consider the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs could be the result of different issues. It is crucial to get it checked at the earliest opportunity to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotor to shake. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that require to be fixed as soon as is possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. It can be costly to fix this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or noisy and squeaky sounds are all signs that it requires attention. It’s probably the time to upgrade your system, especially when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your utility bills over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. This includes changing filters regularly as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping the unit free of any debris.
It is essential to keep the surrounding area free of debris like leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac specialists offer maintenance agreements that give customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option for those who don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means you don’t be waiting long for an emergency repair call in the case of your air cooling. A reliable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
