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 higher the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on how much energy you use. Selecting the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You must ensure your new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. A unit that is not the right size could be too big to cool your home, or will not function in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that determine the right size of an AC unit for your house. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of material you used. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and type of doors and windows. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install an even larger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors into account is the only way to make a truly accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a rough idea however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC figured out then you can search for a more specific model. You may 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 better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool your home quicker, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently 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. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the area of your house. However there are other aspects which play a part too. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can impact the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who open their doors and windows open will require AC more than those who close them. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working properly, it should produce a light humming noise when it’s running. Other sounds could indicate issues in your unit that need to be addressed immediately like an eerie sound or 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 essential to have it checked promptly to avoid further damage to your system. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter it’s a simple and quick task to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck inside the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they can cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which must be repaired immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. The issue could be costly to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or older air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A qualified professional can provide your unit a thorough inspection. This will help you spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It could be time to consider an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected and will save you a lot of money on your energy bills over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it free of debris will help you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of obstructions like leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections and discounted prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent choice if you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call when it comes to your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.