Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will reduce energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in the amount you pay for energy. It is important to be patient when choosing the right unit. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will fail to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of them are obvious, like the square footage. Some factors are less obvious, such as the number of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which may impact 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 are designed for letting plenty of heat through and could require more of an AC unit.
Taking all of these factors into account is the only method to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC identified, you can shop for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t think that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit can cool your home faster but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is mostly determined by the size of your house. However there are other elements that are important as well. For example, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred into your home. The level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is particularly important because it can stop cold air from escaping your home as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. People who leave their doors and windows wide open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. You may also consider tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can help lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working properly, it should make a slight humming sound when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign your unit is malfunctioning.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different problems. It is essential to get it checked at the earliest opportunity in order to avoid further damage to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked when your air conditioner emits a the sound of a rattle when it’s on. This can be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they could lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a hissing noise coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device with a small orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it is new or old. A trained professional can give your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they turn into bigger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that your system requires attention. It could be time to consider an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save lots of money on your energy bills over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will help you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs, and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower prices on accessories and parts. They are a great option for those who don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is observing your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call for your air conditioning. A reliable contractor will provide an in-depth report of their findings, and will make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.