Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you should choose one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER rating the more energy it will conserve. This will save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: 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 how much energy you use. It is important to be patient when selecting the best unit. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. An incorrectly sized unit is either working too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner has to deal with.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area, as well as the kind of building materials you’ve employed. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which may impact the size of your air conditioner. You also need to consider whether your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to install more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you know the capacity of your AC determined, you can shop for a specific model. You may need to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool a home more quickly but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating means a less efficient AC.
The area of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are other aspects to consider. For instance, the amount of windows and their orientation towards the sun can affect how much heat is transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. People who open their windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can lower the price of a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it should only make a light humming sound when it’s running. Any other sounds could indicate problems in your unit that need to be fixed right away like a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system has shut off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner is running is a result of different issues. It is important to check it at the earliest opportunity to avoid further damage to your system. For example, the sound can be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s running. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can cause the fan’s movement to rumble. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they could lead to a broken compressor.
A whining sound is a frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to be able to. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts, which need to be repaired as quickly as is possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing 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 repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, no matter if it’s brand 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 test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all signs that the system is in need of attention. It may also 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 the course of time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as it can. This includes changing filters on a regular basis cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping the unit free of debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim back any foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some AC companies provide maintenance contracts that provide customers with two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced prices on accessories and parts. They can be a great choice for those who do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is observing your system. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call in the case of your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings and provide suggestions for repairs or upgrades.