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 help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four major kinds of air conditioners are: 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 pay for energy. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You need to ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will either be too large to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these factors are obvious, such as the square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as evident, such as the amount of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. This is because these appliances generate a lot of heat that your AC has to handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area, as well as the kind of building materials you’ve used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which may impact the size of your AC unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is and the number and type of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to install a 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. 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 use a manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, you should note that if there have been changes 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 believe that more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a house faster however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is determined largely by the square footage of your house. However, there are other factors that are important as well. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from escaping at the same speed.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. People who leave their windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who close them. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will only produce a buzzing sound when operating. Any other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that require to be fixed right away like an eerie sound or an audible sound after the system shuts off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues. It is crucial to have it checked at the earliest opportunity to prevent further damage to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s on. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to shake. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce whining noise when running. It could be because the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be fixed as soon as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t an issue however, it is advisable to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. It’s expensive to fix this problem therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you detect small issues before they become larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It could be time to think about an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs have been going up.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will ensure that you get the most years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include inspections twice a year, and reduced prices on parts and accessories. They are a great option when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means that you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call for your air cooling. A reliable contractor will provide an in-depth report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.