Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your house you should choose one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save money on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four primary types of air conditioners are window units, central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit can have a major impact on the amount of energy you use. Selecting the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You must ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These items produce a lot heat that your AC must deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You also need to consider how well your home is insulated as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install an even larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by an expert is the most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC system identified then you can search for a more specific model. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is better. A bigger unit will cool your home faster, but at the expense of increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the area of your home. However there are other elements that play a role too. The amount 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 impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from escaping your home as fast.
It’s also important to consider your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. For example, people who often open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more frequently than households that keep them closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can help lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it should make a light humming sound when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of issues, but it’s important to have it checked in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from occurring to your unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s running. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it produces whining sounds when it’s running. It could be because the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to get in. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the reason for a hissing sound coming from your air conditioning. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, using an instrument for metering that has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to correct this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it is important to keep up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to detect small issues before they turn into bigger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature or inability to turn on the system, or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it needs attention. It could be time to think about replacing the system, particularly when your energy bills are increasing.
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. 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 free of dust will ensure that you enjoy the longest number of years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the space around the unit free of debris such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Just be sure to use a normal garden hose, not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some ac specialists offer maintenance contracts that buy customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. They can be a great 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. Additionally, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. You won’t have to wait for too long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and will make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
