Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you buy one for your home. The greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four major kinds of air conditioners include: window units, central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you use. It is essential to be patient in selecting the right model. It is essential to make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or will not be able to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as the square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, like the number of heating appliances or technologies in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have employed. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also think about how well insulated your home is as well as the quantity and kind of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to install an even larger AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects into consideration is the only way to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to use a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC system determined then you can search for a more specific model. 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, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit can cool a house faster but at the cost of more energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. There’s also a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower score indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the area of your home. However there are other aspects which play a part too. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred into your home. Insulation levels in your home will also impact heat transfer. Insulation is particularly important because it prevents cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to think about your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. For instance, those who frequently open windows and doors will need to use their AC more frequently than households that keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. 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 model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is functioning well, it should only make a light humming sound when it’s running. If you notice any other sounds this could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be caused by various issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. It’s 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 the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that could cause the fan to shake when it turns. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining noise when running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
A refrigerant leak is usually the reason for a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. The issue could be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s new or old. A qualified professional can provide the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system is in need of 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 longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save many dollars on your energy bills over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as is possible. This means replacing filters on a regular basis as well as cleaning and wiping it down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim back any foliage around the unit and keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance contracts which include two-yearly inspections and also lower prices for parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you don’t have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment yourself, or you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. This means you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and will make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
