Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy it will conserve. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
The four major types of air conditioners are window units, central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. It is essential to be patient in selecting the right model. You must be sure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either work too hard to keep your house cool or won’t be able to perform the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the right size unit for your house.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, like the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your AC has to manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and what type of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to consider the level of insulation your house is, as well as the number and kind of doors and windows. Some are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these elements that you can make an accurate 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 need is to use a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage you’ll be able to select the model that is suitable. However, you should note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit will cool your home faster however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
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 means a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the square footage of your house. However there are other aspects that play a role in the same way. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun will influence the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is especially important since it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as fast.
It’s also important to think about the lifestyle and habits of your family when deciding on an AC unit. For example, people who often open 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 drastically reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s running. If you hear other sounds that aren’t, it could be an indication that your unit is malfunctioning.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many various issues. It is important to have it checked promptly in order to avoid further damage to your system. For instance, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter it’s a simple and quick task which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction within the fan. This can be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that can cause the fan to shake as it spins. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they could lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it produces whining sounds when it’s running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to be able to. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as quickly as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through the metering device, which has a small orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is a good idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in the event of. It’s expensive to fix this problem therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or older air conditioner, it is important to keep up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that the system is in need of attention. It may also be time to think about replacing the system, particularly in the event that your energy costs have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will allow you to get the maximum number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim any vegetation around the unit. You should also keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Make sure you use a standard garden hose and not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some ac specialists provide maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice if you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is observing your system. Many contractors also give 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 when it comes to your air conditioning. A good contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and will make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.