Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. It is essential to take your time in selecting the right model. You need to make sure that your new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too big to cool your home or will not work at all. This can cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that determine the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, like square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC must manage.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. You also need to consider how well your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require you to use more of an AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your home since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t think that a bigger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit will cool your home faster, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the primary factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For example, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home can also affect heat transfer. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home at a rapid rate.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to take into account your family’s lifestyle and habits. For example, people who tend to open their windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than a household that keeps them shut. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will make a light humming sound when it is running. If you notice any other sounds this could be a sign your unit is malfunctioning.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to check it out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. For instance, the sound can be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter and is a simple and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s running. This can be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC issue. It could be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be repaired as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the reason for a hissing sound coming from your air conditioning. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem, it is always recommended to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or old air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A certified professional will give the unit an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you find small problems before they become major ones. They will check 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 grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or making loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system needs attention. It may also be time to consider a replacement, especially if your energy bills are increasing.
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 is possible. This includes replacing filters frequently as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping the unit free of any debris.
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 impede the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Just be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s parts.
Certain 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 for those who do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is observing your system. Additionally, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. You won’t have to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and will make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
