Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you pay for energy. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You must make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to perform the task effectively, which could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the right size unit for your house.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot of heat that your AC must manage.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials you’ve used. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is as well as the quantity and type of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make a precise decision about the best AC unit for your house. A chart of square footage will give you an idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by an expert is the most effective method of determining the size AC unit you need.
Once you have the capacity of your AC system identified then you can search for a model that is more specific. However, it is important to remember that if you’ve made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a house faster but at the cost of higher energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the area of your house. There are also other factors to consider. The number 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 level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from escaping your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to think about the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows wide open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it will make a light humming sound when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues. It is crucial to have it checked as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s running. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can cause the fan’s movement to rattle. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed and allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a loud sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using the metering device, which has a small opening. Although the sound of hissing isn’t an issue but it’s a good idea to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. It could be costly to fix this problem therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or used air conditioner, it is important to keep up with maintenance. A trained professional will give your unit an general inspection, which will help you identify minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine 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 required.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that the system is in need of attention. It might be time to replace your system, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected and you’ll save many dollars on your utility bills over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as is possible. This means replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping the unit free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s parts.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance agreements that give customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower prices on accessories and parts. These can be an excellent option if you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is watching your system. In addition, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. It isn’t necessary to wait too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
