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 greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in the amount you pay for energy. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through; you need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too large to cool your home, or will not work in any way. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your house.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these factors are obvious, like the square footage. Some factors are less evident, such as the amount of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your AC has to deal with.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and the type of material you used. Some materials reflect heat and absorb it in various ways, which could impact the size of your AC unit. You should also consider the level of insulation your house is and the number and types of windows and doors. Some are designed to let lots of heat in, and may require more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these elements that you can make an accurate decision on the best AC unit for your house. A chart of square footage will give you an idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best way to determine what size AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage you’ll be able to select the model that is suitable. But, it is important to note that if there have been changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the cost of more energy costs and premature wear. 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. 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 mostly determined by the square footage of your home. However there are other aspects that are important in the same way. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun could affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, you need to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. For example, people who tend to leave doors and windows open will need to use their AC more often than a family that keeps the doors and windows 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 drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will only make a slight sound that hums when it’s running. Any other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that require to be addressed right away for example, an eerie sound or a banging sound after the system is shut off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs is a result of different problems. It is essential to have it checked as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s turned on. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to shake as it spins. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they could result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is a frequent AC problem. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t properly sealed and allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it is always an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. It can be costly to correct this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, no matter if it’s brand new or old. A certified professional will conduct an general inspection, which can help you find small problems before they become major ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperature or inability to turn on the system, or making the loud and squeaky sound are all signs that it requires attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and will save you lots of money on your utility bills over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will help you get the most years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the area around the unit free of obstructions, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs, which could block airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Just be sure to use a normal garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include two-yearly inspections and also reduced prices on parts and accessories. These are a great option for those who don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment yourself or you would like peace of assurance that a technician is in charge of your system. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call in the case of your air cooling. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.