Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your home you should choose one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
The four main kinds of air conditioners are window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a big impact on the amount of energy you consume. Selecting the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You must make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to complete 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 factors are obvious, such as the square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as evident, such as the amount of heating appliances or technologies within your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you employed. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Certain of them are designed for letting a lot heat in and could require you to use more of an AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these factors that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your house. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea however the most effective method to determine the size of AC you need is to use a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, it is important to remember that if you’ve made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool your home faster, but it will cost you increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer time.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll find the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the size of your home. However there are other aspects that are important as well. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation within your home also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as fast.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. For example, people who tend to leave doors and windows open will need to use their AC more frequently than households that keep 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 drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will only produce a sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner runs could be the result of different problems. It is important to get it checked promptly in order to avoid any further damage to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. It could be due dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to shake. Examine the inside of your unit to see if there are any of these problems. They could cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is another frequent AC issue. It could be that the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to be able to. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device with a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem it is an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician look into it just in case. It could be costly to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s essential to maintain it. A trained professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this will help you identify minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that the system requires attention. It may also be time to think about replacing the system, particularly if your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will ensure that you enjoy the longest number of years from your AC unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs, which could restrict airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some AC companies offer maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They are a great option if you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is observing your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. You won’t have to wait long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
