Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER rating, the more energy it will conserve. This will save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. The selection of the right model isn’t something you should rush through; you need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. If it’s not the right size will be too big to cool your home, or will not function at all. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the ideal size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which may impact the size of your air conditioner. You also need to think about how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and may require more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a sound decision about the best AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by an expert is the best method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t believe that a bigger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit will cool a house more quickly however it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A properly 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 it is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or 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 take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation within your home also impact heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from exiting your home as fast.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. If you leave your doors and windows wide open will require AC more often 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 help lower the cost of purchasing 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 functions well, it will produce a sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be an indication that your unit is malfunctioning.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on can be a result of various problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. This can be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in the unit or a damaged blade or a loose component that could cause the fan to shake as it spins. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they could cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure end of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device with a small opening. While the hissing sound is not a big deal, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to correct this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A trained professional can give your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to detect small issues before they become larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it needs attention. It might be time to consider replacing the system, particularly when your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected, and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it free of dirt will allow you to get the maximum number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could block airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance agreements that include two-yearly inspections and also reduced prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent choice if you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is observing your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. This means that you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair for your air conditioning. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.