Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
The four major kinds of air conditioners are: window units, central AC heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you use. It is essential to be patient in selecting the right model. You must be sure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. An incorrectly sized unit is either working too hard to keep your house cool or won’t be able to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of heating appliances or technologies in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have used. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You also need to consider how well your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed to let plenty of heat through, and may require that you use a bigger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your house. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC unit determined, you can shop for a specific model. However, you should note that if there have been changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a home faster but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size can 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. You’ll also notice a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors that determine the size of your AC. There are other aspects to consider. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from escaping your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who leave their windows and doors open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can help lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is functioning well, it will make a light humming sound when it’s running. Other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that require to be addressed immediately, such as a buzzing sound or even an audible sound after the system shuts off.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different issues. It is essential to have it checked promptly to prevent further damage to your system. For instance the sound could be a sign that it’s time to change your air filter it’s a simple and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. Examine the inside of the unit to see if there are any of these problems. They could lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce whining noise when running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in 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 conditioner. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t an issue however, it is advisable to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. The issue could be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it is new or old. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, check and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that your system is in need of attention. It could be time to replace your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over time. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as it can. This includes replacing filters frequently as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping it free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim any vegetation around the unit. You should also keep the area clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include inspections twice a year, and also lower prices for parts and accessories. These are an excellent option if you do not have the time or the expertise to maintain your equipment yourself or you would like peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call in the case of your air conditioning. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.