Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your home you should choose one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER rating the more energy it can save. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four primary 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 spend on energy costs. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to rush through; you need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will either be too big to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the best 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 are obvious, like the square footage. Some factors are less obvious, such as the number of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. This is because these devices produce a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials that you have used. Certain types of materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let a lot of heat in, and could require you to use a larger AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only method to make an precise decision about the best 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 most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
When you know the amount you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home more quickly, but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the area of your home. However, there are other factors that play a role too. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. People who leave their windows and doors open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. You can also look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you notice any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running can be a result of a variety of issues, but it’s important to check it out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage occurring to your unit. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck within the unit or a damaged blade or a loose component that could cause the fan to rumble as it rotates. Check the inside of your unit to determine if there are any of these issues. They could result in a malfunctioning compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be that the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that require to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s due to a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through a metering device that has a small orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to correct this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s new or old. A certified professional will conduct an general inspection, which will help you identify minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all signs that your system needs attention. It’s probably the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and will save you many dollars on your utility 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 it free of debris.
It’s important to keep the area around the unit free of any debris such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance agreements that include twice-yearly inspections, and also discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are a great option when you don’t have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. In addition, many contractors 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 conditioning. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.