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, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong 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 the size of your AC unit can have a big impact on how much energy you consume. It’s important to be patient when selecting the best unit. It is essential to ensure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will fail to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your house.
There are several different factors that go into determining the right size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. These items produce a lot heat that your AC must deal with.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area and the type of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect heat and absorb it in different ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. Also, you should think about how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install a larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable 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 need is to have a Manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage you’ll be able to select a model that is more suitable. However, you should note that if you have 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 space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a house quicker however it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. There’s also the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC unit. However there are other aspects that play a role too. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can impact the amount of heat transferred to your home. Insulation levels in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is particularly important because it prevents cold air from escaping your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to think about the lifestyle and habits of your family when choosing an AC unit. For instance, those who tend to leave doors and windows open will require their AC more often than a household that keeps them shut. You may also consider tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner works properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal issues with your unit that require to be fixed right away, such as the sound of a buzzing or an audible sound after the system is shut off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues, but it’s essential to have it checked promptly to avoid further damage happening to the unit. For instance the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter and is a simple and quick job that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. It could be due to debris or dirt getting stuck within the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotation to shake. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
A whining noise is another typical AC issue. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be repaired as quickly as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure part of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal but it’s a good idea to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or used air conditioner, it’s important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A trained professional will give your unit an overall inspection, and this will help you identify minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, check for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of debris will help you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
It is essential to keep the surrounding area free of obstructions, such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Make sure you use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac specialists now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced prices on accessories and parts. They are a great option when you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is observing your system. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. It isn’t necessary to wait too long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
