Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient

When purchasing an ac unit for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the lifespan of your unit.

The four major 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 spend on energy costs. It is important to take your time when selecting the best unit. You must be sure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either work too hard to keep your house cool or won’t be able to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.

There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. These items produce a lot heat that your AC must handle.

You should also take into consideration the climate in your area and what type of materials you employed. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. It is also important to consider the degree of insulation your home is as well as the quantity and type of doors and windows. Certain of them are designed to let a lot heat in and could require you to use an even larger AC unit.

It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A square footage chart will give you an idea. However, a manual J load calculator conducted by an expert is the best way to determine what size AC unit you require.

Once you know the tonnage, you can choose the model that is suitable. But, it is important to note that if you have made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new area.

Energy Efficiency

Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool your home faster, but at the cost of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer period of time.

British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also notice the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score indicates an inefficient AC.

The square footage of your home is one of the most important factors that determine the size of your air conditioner. There are other aspects to consider. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial since it prevents cold air from leaving as quickly.

When selecting an AC unit, you need to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. For example, people who often open their windows and doors will require their AC more frequently than a household that keeps them closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that may be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.

Noise

If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be an indication that your unit is malfunctioning.

A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of many different issues, but it’s important to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage being caused to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of an expert.

If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt getting stuck within the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotation to rumble. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.

A whining noise is another common AC problem. It could be that the ducts have not been 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 require to be repaired as quickly as possible.

A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering system with a small opening. Even though the hissing noise isn’t a major issue however, it’s recommended to get an HVAC technician check it out just in case. It can be costly to fix this problem therefore don’t leave it unattended.

Maintenance

If you own a brand new or older air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this can help you spot minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, verify proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter if necessary.

Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system needs attention. It might be time to think about a replacement, especially if your energy bills have been rising.

A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it clear of debris will help you get the maximum number of years out of your ac unit.

It is important to keep the surrounding area free of any debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could restrict airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Be sure to use a normal garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.

Some AC companies provide maintenance agreements that give customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced rates on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is watching your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you don’t be waiting long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A reputable contractor will provide an in-depth analysis of their findings and provide suggestions for repairs or upgrades.