Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs and lengthen the life span of your unit.
The four primary kinds of air conditioners include: window units central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you use. It is important to be patient when choosing the right unit. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or will fail to complete the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate in your area and the type of material you employed. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider whether your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed for letting plenty of heat through, and may require that you use an even larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a general idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC unit figured out then you can search for a specific model. However, it is important to remember that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit can chill a home faster, but at the expense of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the square footage of your home. There are other aspects to take into consideration. For example, the number of windows and their orientation to the sun will affect how much heat is transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as fast.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account your family’s lifestyle and habits. People who leave their windows and doors open will require AC more often than those who close them. You can also look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can help lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a slight humming sound when it’s operating. Any other sounds could indicate problems in your unit that need to be fixed right away, such as a buzzing sound or even an erupting sound after the system has shut off.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues. It is important to get it checked promptly to prevent further damage 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 assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rattle as it spins. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can result in a damaged compressor.
A whining noise is another typical AC issue. This can be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly and allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This could be due to cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via a metering device that has a small orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t an issue, it’s always good to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. The issue could be costly to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s new or old. A qualified professional will give your unit an general inspection, which can help you find small problems before they become major ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, verify proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or making the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it needs attention. It might be time to consider replacing the system, particularly in the event that your energy costs have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as is possible. This includes changing filters regularly, cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping the unit free of debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable 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 connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include twice-yearly inspections, as well as lower prices for parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option for those who don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
