Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through. You must make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will be too big to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the ideal size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that determine the right size of an AC unit for your house. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed for letting plenty of heat through, and may require that you use more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you’ll be able to select the model that is suitable. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t believe that a larger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit can cool your home quicker, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score means 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 other aspects to take into consideration. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation levels within your home also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from leaving as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. For instance, those who often open their windows and doors will require their AC more often than a family that keeps them shut. It is also possible to look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than an older unit.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will only produce a sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign that your unit is malfunctioning.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs could be the result of various issues. It is crucial to have it checked promptly to prevent further damage to your system. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling 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 within the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they could result in a damaged compressor.
A whining noise is another common AC problem. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts, which must be repaired immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure side of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Even though the hissing noise isn’t a major issue however, it’s an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It can be costly to fix this problem so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an all-encompassing inspection. This will help you identify minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, especially when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will allow you to get the maximum number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of any debris, such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Just be sure to use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies offer maintenance agreements that give customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced prices on accessories and parts. They can be a great choice for those who do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is watching your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and will make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.