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 greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: 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 use. It is important to take your time in selecting the right model. You must make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too large to cool your home or will not function at all. This can cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the ideal size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials you’ve employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider the level of insulation your house is and the number and kind of windows and doors. Some are designed to let lots of heat in and could require a bigger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors in consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by an expert is the most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you know the tonnage, you can choose a model that is more suitable. But, it is important to 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 space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is better. A bigger unit will cool a house quicker however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, or British Thermal 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 SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the square footage of your house. There are other aspects to consider. For example, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from venting as swiftly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to take into account your family’s lifestyle and habits. For instance, those who often open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more frequently than a family that keeps them shut. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it should only make a light humming sound when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal issues with your unit that need to be addressed immediately, such as a buzzing sound or even an audible sound after the system has shut off.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many various issues. It is crucial to have it checked at the earliest opportunity to avoid further damage to your unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked when your air conditioner emits a a rattling noise when it’s running. This can be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck inside the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to shake as it spins. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they could result in a damaged compressor.
A whining noise is another common AC problem. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through the metering device, which has a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. This problem can be expensive to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you spot small issues before they turn into bigger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It might be time to replace your system, particularly in the event that 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 as long as it can. This includes changing filters regularly, cleaning and wiping it down outside and keeping it free of debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, 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, not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac specialists now offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and 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’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is watching your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. You won’t need to wait too long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a detailed report of their findings and make suggestions for upgrades or repairs.
