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 the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money in energy costs as well as extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you pay for energy. It is essential to be patient when selecting the best unit. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either work too hard to keep your house cool or will fail to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, like the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials you have employed. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is and the number and type of windows and doors. Some are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to install more of an AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these aspects that you can make a sound choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get an idea of the general size, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC identified and you are able to shop for a model that is more specific. However, it is important to remember that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t think that a larger capacity is better. A larger unit can cool a house faster but it will cost you increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s 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 the unit is. You’ll also notice a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower SEER rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is largely determined by the square footage of your house. However there are other elements that play a role as well. For instance, the number of windows and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from escaping at the same speed.
It’s also important to think about the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows wide open will require AC more than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy efficient than an older unit.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it should only make a slight humming sound when it’s running. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that require to be fixed right away, such as an eerie sound or an audible sound after the system has shut off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs could be the result of different issues. It is crucial to get it checked as soon as you can to avoid further damage to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s on. It could be due dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to shake. Examine the inside of your unit to see if there are any of these issues. They could cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is another typical AC issue. This can be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the reason for a hissing noise 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, through the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal however, it is advisable to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. This problem can be expensive to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s essential to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified professional can provide the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also test the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperatures and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that your system requires attention. It could be time to replace your system, especially in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the course of time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it free of dust will allow you to get the maximum number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It’s important to keep the surrounding area free of debris like leaves, twigs and cobwebs, which could hinder airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some AC companies offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced prices on accessories and parts. These are a great option for those who don’t have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment yourself or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract whenever a problem occurs. 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 report of their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
