Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house you should choose one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. It is important to take your time in selecting the right model. It is essential to ensure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the ideal size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as square footage. Other aspects aren’t as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. This is because these devices produce 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 kind of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is, as well as the number and kind of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require you to install an even larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. You can make use of a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation completed by an expert.
When you know the amount you’ll be able to select an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is better. A bigger unit will cool a house more quickly however it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out more quickly. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the 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 AC unit is mostly determined by the square footage of your house. However there are other elements that are important as well. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is 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 swiftly.
It’s also important to take into consideration the lifestyle and habits of your family when choosing an AC unit. For example, people who frequently open their windows and doors will need to use their AC more frequently than households that keep them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will produce a buzzing sound when running. If you notice any other sounds that aren’t, it could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be a result of many different issues, but it’s essential to check it out promptly to avoid further damage occurring to your unit. For example, the sound can be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter it’s a simple and quick job which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s on. This can be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck in the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is another common AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to get in. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be repaired as quickly as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via an instrument for metering that has a small opening. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is a good idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in the event of. The issue could be costly 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 important to keep up with maintenance. A certified professional will conduct an overall inspection, and this can help you find small problems before they become large ones. They will test your 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 needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that your system needs attention. It may also be time to think about an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dirt will help you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim back any foliage around the unit and keep the area clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Certain AC specialists provide maintenance agreements that give customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower rates on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice when you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you want the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is observing your system. In addition, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.