Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you should choose one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life 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 an AC unit can make a significant difference in how much you pay for energy. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to rush through; you need to make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too big to cool your home, or will not work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your house.
There are many different aspects that determine the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of them are obvious, like square footage. Some factors are less evident, such as the amount of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. This is because these items produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials that you have used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat in different ways, which may impact the size of your air conditioner. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is and the number and kind of doors and windows. Some of these are designed for letting a lot heat in, and may require you to use more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make a sound decision about the best AC unit for your house. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you need.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC unit figured out and you are able to shop for a specific model. However, you should 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 space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit will cool your home faster, but at the expense of increased energy bills and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the most important factors that determine the size of your AC. There are also other factors to consider. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect how much heat is transferred into your home. The level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
It’s also important to think about your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. For example, people who tend to open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more often than a family that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that may be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will produce a sound that hums when it’s running. If you hear other sounds this could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on can be caused by various issues, but it’s essential to check it out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to the unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform that doesn’t require a specialist.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck inside the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rumble as it spins. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is another common AC problem. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed and allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
A refrigerant leak is usually the reason for a hissing sound coming from your air conditioning. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure end of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device with a small opening. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem however, it’s a good idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s new or old. A qualified professional can provide the 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 ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that your system needs attention. It’s probably time to replace your system, especially when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will help you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the space around the unit free of any 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 in good condition. Make sure you use a normal garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections and also reduced prices on parts and accessories. They can be a great option if you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is watching your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. This means you don’t be waiting long for an emergency repair call in the case of your air conditioning. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
