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 more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it can save. This will save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four primary types of air conditioners are window units, central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in how much you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to rush through; you need to ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or will not be able to complete the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of them are obvious, like square footage. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials that you have employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. Also, you should consider whether your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let plenty of heat through and could require that you use more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your house. A square footage chart will give you an idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you need.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. 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, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a home quicker but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will 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. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates that the AC is less efficient. AC.
The area of your home is one of the most important factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to think about your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. If you leave your doors and windows wide open will require AC more than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the price of 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 functioning properly, it should produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be addressed immediately for example, the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system is shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from being caused to the unit. For instance the sound could be an indication that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s turned on, it could be because of an obstruction within the fan. This can be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck within the unit, a damaged blade, or a loose component that could cause the fan to shake as it rotates. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is another frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to get in. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t a major issue but it’s a good idea to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. This problem can be expensive to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s new or old. A trained professional will give your unit an general inspection, which will help you identify small issues before they turn into large 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 the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system, or noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It could be time to think about an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs have been going up.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected, and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts as long as is possible. This means replacing filters regularly, cleaning and wiping it down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of dirt.
It’s important to keep the area around the unit free of debris such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could restrict airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit clean. Be sure to use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies provide maintenance contracts that provide customers with two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers 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 give you a comprehensive report of their findings and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.