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 higher the SEER rating, the more energy it can save. This will save you money in energy costs as well as extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four major types of air conditioners are: window units central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in how much you spend on energy costs. The selection of the right model isn’t something to rush through; you need to make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it is either working too hard to keep your home cool or will fail to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your AC must handle.
You should also consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require you to use a larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into account is the only way to make an accurate decision regarding the right 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 require is to get a manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC system identified then you can search for a model that is more specific. It is possible to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit can cool a house faster but it will cost you more energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the square footage of your home. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is crucial since it prevents cold air from escaping as swiftly.
It’s also important to think about the habits of your family and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. For example, people who often open windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than a family that keeps them closed. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will produce a sound that hums when it’s running. If you hear other sounds, it could be an indication that your unit is not functioning properly.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of various issues. It is important to get it checked promptly to prevent any further damage to your unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick task that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in 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 kinds of problems, as they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
A whining sound is another common AC issue. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure end of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to have an HVAC technician look into it just in case. It’s expensive to fix this problem, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s important to keep up with maintenance. A trained professional can give your unit a thorough inspection. This will help you identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system needs attention. It may also be time to consider an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save 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 help you get the maximum number of years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim any vegetation around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of leaves, twigs cobwebs, and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Make sure you use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include twice-yearly inspections, as well as discounted prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent choice if you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is observing your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.