Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you purchase one for your home. The higher the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will save you money on energy costs and lengthen 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 significant difference in how much you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it is either working too hard to keep your house cool or won’t be able to perform the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that determine the proper size of an AC unit for your house. 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 that your AC has to deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you used. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in different ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to consider the degree of insulation your home is, as well as the number and kind of windows and doors. Some are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these aspects that you can make an accurate decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size however the most effective method to determine the size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation completed by an expert.
Once you have figured out the tonnage, you can choose the model that is suitable. However, you should note that if you’ve made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will chill a home faster, but it will cost you higher energy costs and wear and tear. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also notice an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower SEER rating means a less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your air conditioner. However there are other elements which play a part in the same way. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat 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 leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to think about the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. 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
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal issues with your unit that need to be fixed right away, such as a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system has shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be a result of various issues, but it’s essential to have it checked in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from being caused to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s on. It could be due debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotation to rattle. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can result in a damaged compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC issue. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t sealed properly which allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, using the metering device, which has a small opening. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it examined by an HVAC technician in case of. It’s expensive to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it is important to maintain it. A trained professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this can help you find small issues before they turn into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to consider a replacement, especially if your energy bills are increasing.
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. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it clear of debris will help you enjoy the longest number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is important to keep the surrounding area free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Make sure you use a regular garden hose, not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s parts.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance agreements that include twice-yearly inspections, and also discounted prices 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’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. This means you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air cooling. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.