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 more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs as well as extend the life span of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners are: window units, central AC heat pumps, central AC 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. The selection of the right model isn’t something you should rush through. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too big to cool your home or will not work at all. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the area. Some factors are less obvious, like the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These items produce a lot heat that your AC must handle.
You should also consider the climate in your area and the type of material you employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and type of doors and windows. Some are designed to let plenty of heat through, and may require that you use a bigger AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only way to make a truly precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. However, you should note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a house faster, but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, or British Thermal 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 score indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the main factors that determine the size of your AC. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. For example, the number of windows and their position towards the sun can affect how much heat is transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from leaving as quickly.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s crucial to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. If you leave your windows and doors open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a light humming sound when it’s operating. If you hear other sounds, it could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many various issues. It is crucial to have it checked at the earliest opportunity to prevent any further damage to your unit. For example, the sound can be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter and is a simple and quick task that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked when your air conditioner emits a a rattling noise when it’s turned on. It could be due dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they could lead to a broken compressor.
A whining sound is a frequent AC problem. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts, which must be fixed immediately.
A refrigerant leak is typically the reason for a hissing noise coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via an instrument for metering that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem it is recommended to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, whether it is new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this will help you identify small issues before they turn into major ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven temperature in the room, inability to start the system, or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It could be time to replace your system, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. This means replacing filters frequently, cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and making sure that the unit is free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that can block 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 which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance contracts which include twice-yearly inspections, as well as lower prices for parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option when you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. This means you don’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A reliable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
