Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The more efficient the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend 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 your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. Choosing the right unit isn’t something you should rush through; you need to ensure your new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or will fail to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that go into determining the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these factors are obvious, like the area. Other aspects aren’t as obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials that you have used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat in different ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Certain of them are designed for letting plenty of heat through and could require that you use more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into consideration is the only way to make an precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator conducted by an expert is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC determined, you can shop for a model that is more specific. However, you should note that if there have been changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a house faster but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is mostly determined by the size of your house. However, there are other factors which play a part as well. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also have an impact. Insulation is particularly important because it can stop cold air from exiting your home as fast.
When selecting an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. For example, people who tend to open windows and doors will have to use their AC more often than a household that keeps them closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than an older unit.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it will make a light humming sound when it’s operating. If you notice any other sounds, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running could be the result of many different problems, but it’s crucial to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage occurring to your unit. For instance the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter and is a simple and quick job that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction within the fan. It could be due debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotor to shake. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC problem is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which must be repaired as soon as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a loud sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it’s an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
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 allow you to detect small issues before they become larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, check and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that the system requires attention. It may also be time to think about replacing the system, particularly in the event that your energy costs have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money 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 free of debris will help you get the maximum number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also wash 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 specialists provide maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. They are a great choice for those who don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract whenever a problem occurs. This means you don’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call for your air cooling. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.