Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save money on energy bills and also prolong the life 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 the size of your AC unit can have a major impact on the amount of energy you use. The selection of the right model isn’t something to be rushed through. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is the right size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or won’t be able to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the best 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 aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
You should also consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you used. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. You should also think about the level of insulation your house is as well as the quantity and type of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into account is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to use a manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC system determined, you can shop for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit can chill a home faster, but at the cost of higher energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll find the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the primary factors that determine the size of your air conditioner. There are other aspects to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from escaping your home as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who leave their windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that might be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of buying a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a slight humming sound when it’s running. If you hear other sounds this could be a sign that your unit is malfunctioning.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different problems. It is important to check it promptly to prevent further damage to your system. For instance the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s on. It could be due to dirt or debris that’s stuck inside the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to shake as it rotates. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they could lead to a broken compressor.
A whining sound is a frequent AC problem. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to be able to. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
A refrigerant leak is usually the reason for a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure end of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it’s an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in the event of. This issue can be costly to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it is new or old. A qualified professional will give the unit an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you spot small issues before they turn into large ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It might be time to consider a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs have been rising.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and will save you lots of money on your energy bills over time. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as is possible. This includes changing filters frequently, cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping the unit free of dirt.
It’s important to keep the space around the unit free of obstructions, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include twice-yearly inspections, and also reduced prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent choice for those who 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 watching your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. It isn’t necessary to wait for too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
