Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you should choose one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs as well as extend the life span of your unit.
The four main kinds of air conditioners are window units central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in how much you pay for energy. It is important to be patient when choosing the right unit. You need to make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size could be too big to cool your home or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these factors are obvious, such as the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of technology or appliances that generate heat within your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC must deal with.
You should also consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which could impact the size of your AC unit. It is also important to consider how well your home is insulated as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed to let a lot heat in, and may require a bigger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable 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 of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC unit figured out then you can search for a model that is more specific. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is better. A larger unit will cool a house faster but at the expense of more 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 period of time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning 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 rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also impact heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from leaving your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s crucial to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use AC more than those who close them. You may also consider tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can reduce the price of a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer model 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 operating. Any other sounds could signal issues with your unit that need to be addressed right away like an eerie sound or a banging sound after the system is shut off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues, but it’s important to get it checked out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to your unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s running. This can be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck inside the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle as it spins. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it produces a whining sound when it’s running. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through an instrument for metering that has a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal however, it is advisable to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or old air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A trained professional will conduct an general inspection, which can help you spot small problems before they become larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, especially in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dirt will help you get the most years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Be sure to use a normal garden hose, not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include inspections twice a year, and discounted prices on parts and accessories. They are a great choice for those who don’t have the time or the expertise to maintain your equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. You won’t need to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings and provide suggestions for upgrades or repairs.