Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on how much energy you consume. It is essential to take your time when selecting the best unit. You need to make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it is either working too hard to keep your home cool or will fail to do the job effectively, which could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the right size unit for your house.
There are many different aspects that determine the correct size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so evident, such as the amount of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have employed. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider whether your home is insulated as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in, and could require 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 use 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 get a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC system figured out, you can shop for a more specific model. However, you should note that if there have been changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit will chill a home faster, but at the cost of higher energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. There’s also the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the most important factors that determine the size of your AC unit. There are other aspects to take into consideration. For instance, the number of windows and their position to the sun will affect how much heat is transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from escaping at the same speed.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. For example, people who often open their windows and doors will require their AC more often than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. In addition, a newer model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will only make a slight buzzing sound when operating. If you notice any other sounds, it could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs could be the result of various issues. It is important to get it checked promptly to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can cause the fan’s movement to rattle. Examine the inside of your unit to see whether there’s any of these problems. They could lead to a faulty compressor.
A whining sound is another frequent AC problem. It could be that the ducts are not 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, which need to be repaired as quickly as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through the metering device, which has a small orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t an issue but it’s a good idea to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to fix this problem, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A qualified technician can conduct your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to identify small problems before they turn into bigger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also check the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace the filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system or the loud and squeaky sound are all signs that it needs attention. It might be time to think about replacing the system, particularly in the event that your energy costs have been rising.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and will save you lots of money on your energy bills over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dirt will ensure that you get the maximum number of years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections and also lower prices for parts and accessories. These are a great option when you don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment yourself, or you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
