Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four primary types of air conditioners include: window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in the amount you pay for energy. It is essential to take your time when choosing the right unit. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will either be too big to cool your home or will not function in any way. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, such as the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so evident, such as the amount of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your AC must handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and the type of material you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let plenty of heat through and might require you to use a bigger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these factors that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator conducted by an expert is the most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you require.
When you know the amount you’ll be able to select an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, you should note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the expense of higher energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is mostly determined by the size of your house. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the amount of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun will influence the amount of heat transferred into your home. The insulation levels in your home will also impact heat transfer. Insulation is especially important since it prevents cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to take into consideration the lifestyle and habits of your family when selecting an AC unit. If you leave your doors and windows open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner is operating well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal problems in your unit that need to be addressed immediately like the sound of a buzzing or an audible sound after the system has shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues, but it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage occurring to the unit. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter and is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require a specialist.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. Check the inside of your unit to determine whether you have any of these issues. They can quickly lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining noise when 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 get in. 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 when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure side of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device with a small opening. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, whether it’s new or old. A qualified professional will give your unit an general inspection, which can help you find small issues before they turn into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that your system is in need of attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts for as long as it can. This includes replacing filters regularly as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of leaves, twigs, 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 clean. Be sure to use a normal garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include twice-yearly inspections, as well as discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are a great option if you do not have the time or the knowledge to maintain your equipment yourself or you would like peace of assurance that a technician is watching your system. In addition, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. It isn’t necessary to wait long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will provide you with an in-depth analysis of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.