Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: 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 use. It is essential to take your time in selecting the right model. You must make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that is not the right size will be too big to cool your home or will not work at all. This will 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 them are obvious, like square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC must handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate in your area and the kind of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. It is also important to consider the degree of insulation your home is as well as the quantity and type of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in and might require that you use an even larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into consideration is the only way to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC system figured out, you can shop for a model that is more specific. However, it is important to remember that if there have been changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool your home more quickly however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the size of your house. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For example, the number of windows and their orientation towards the sun will influence the amount of heat transferred into your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from leaving as swiftly.
It’s also important to take into consideration your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. For example, people who frequently leave doors and windows open will have to use their AC more frequently than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can help lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy-efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will only make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner is running could be the result of different issues. It is crucial to get it checked as soon as you can to avoid further damage to your unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter and is a simple and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be because of an obstruction within the fan. This can be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit, a damaged blade, or a loose component that could cause the fan to rattle as it spins. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce a whining sound when it’s running. It could 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 due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via the metering device, which has a small orifice. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem, it is always recommended to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. This issue can be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it is new or old. A qualified professional will give the unit an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you find minor issues before they grow into large ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that the system needs attention. It may also be time to think about replacing the system, particularly when your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years out of your ac unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of any debris such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include twice-yearly inspections, and also lower prices for parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you don’t have the time or skills to maintain your equipment yourself or if you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. You won’t have to wait for too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.