Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs as well as extend the life span 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 an AC unit can make a huge difference in how much you spend on energy costs. It is important to take your time when selecting the best unit. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will be too large to cool your home or will not function at all. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the best 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 square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must handle.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is and the number and type of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat into the house and will require you to install an even larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into account is the only way to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
When you know the amount, you can choose a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your home since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is more efficient. A bigger unit will chill a home faster, but it will cost you more energy costs and wear and tear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, also known as 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 indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the size of your house. There are other aspects to take into consideration. For instance, the amount of windows and their orientation to the sun will affect how much heat is transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from leaving as swiftly.
It’s also important to think about the lifestyle and habits of your family when choosing an AC unit. People who leave their doors and windows open will need to use AC more than those who close them. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s running. Any other sounds could signal issues in your unit that need to be addressed right away for example, the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system shuts off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from happening to your unit. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be because of an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck in the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rumble as it spins. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s due to a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to the lower pressure side via a metering device with a small opening. While the hissing sound isn’t an issue however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician in case of. It can be costly to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s essential to maintain it. A trained professional can give an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will allow you to identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that your system requires attention. It might be time to consider an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dirt will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Just be sure to use a standard garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections and discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option for those who don’t have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment on your own or you would like peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers of contract when a problem occurs. This means that you won’t be waiting long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A good contractor will also provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.