Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house you should choose one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will reduce energy costs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four main kinds of air conditioners include: window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you pay for energy. It is important to take your time when choosing the right unit. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or will not be able to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that affect the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your air conditioner has to deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in different ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is as well as the quantity and type of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require you to install more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a sound decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a general idea but the best way to find out what size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you have figured out the tonnage, you can choose the model that is suitable. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the cost of increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating means that the AC is less efficient. AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the area of your home. However, there are other factors which play a part in the same way. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Insulation levels in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is particularly important because it can stop cold air from exiting your home as fast.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when deciding on an AC unit. For example, people who often open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more often than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. You can also look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more efficient than an older unit.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it will produce a light humming noise when it’s running. Any other sounds could signal problems in your unit that need to be addressed immediately, such as an eerie sound or a banging sound after the system has shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different problems, but it’s crucial to check it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage from being caused to your unit. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter it’s a simple and quick job that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s running. It could be due debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. Check the inside of your unit to determine if there are any of these problems. They could cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. This can be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering system with a small opening. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it is always a good idea to get an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It’s expensive to fix this problem, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or old air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A certified professional will conduct an general inspection, which will help you identify minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, check and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to think about an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the course of time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as possible. This means replacing filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping it free of debris.
It is important to keep the area around the unit free of any debris such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could block airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists now offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice if you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. You won’t need to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.
