Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you purchase one for your home. The more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will reduce energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. It’s important to be patient in selecting the right model. It is essential to ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or won’t be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the right size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot of heat that your AC has to manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and what type of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed for letting lots of heat in and might require an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will give you an idea. However, a Manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best way to determine what size AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage you’ll be able to select an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, it is important to remember that if you have 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
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that a bigger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit can cool a home quicker but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer time.
Air conditioning units are evaluated 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 score indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the size of your house. However there are other elements which play a part as well. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun will influence the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from leaving your home as quickly.
It’s also important to take into consideration your family’s habits and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. If you leave your windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who close them. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can help lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it will make a slight humming sound when it’s running. If you notice any other sounds, it could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different problems, but it’s crucial to check it out promptly to avoid further damage being caused to the unit. For example, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick task which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. It could be due to dirt or debris that’s stuck within the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to shake as it spins. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they could lead to a broken compressor.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. This could be due to the fact that the ducts haven’t been properly sealed and allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which must be repaired immediately.
A refrigerant leak is typically the reason for a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through the metering device, which has a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem it is an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in case. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s new or old. A trained professional can give an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter, if required.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that the system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, particularly if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and will save you many dollars on your utility bills over the course of time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will allow you to get the most years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs, and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit clean. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s parts.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air cooling. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
