Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it can save. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
The four primary types of air conditioners are window units central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in how much you spend on energy costs. Choosing 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 is not the right size will either be too large to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that affect the correct size of an AC unit for your house. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as square footage. Some factors are less obvious, like the number of technology or appliances that generate heat 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 kind of materials you employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider the level of insulation your house is as well as the quantity and kind of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require an even larger AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects into account is the only method to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you require.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC system determined then you can search for a model that is more specific. It is possible to increase the capacity of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your home since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit will cool your home faster, but at the expense of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that is 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. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is determined largely by the size of your home. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For example, the number of windows and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred into your home. The insulation levels in your home can also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from venting at the same speed.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who leave their windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who close them. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that may be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner is functioning well, it should only make a slight humming sound when it’s running. Any other sounds could signal problems with your unit that require to be addressed immediately like an eerie sound or an audible sound after the system has shut off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running could be the result of many different issues, but it’s important to have it checked promptly to avoid further damage happening to the unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed when your air conditioner emits a a rattling noise when it’s on. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotation to shake. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is a common AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be repaired as quickly as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Although the hissing sound is not a major problem it is an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It’s expensive to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or older air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A trained professional can give your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that the system is in need of attention. It could be time to consider a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as it can. This includes changing filters frequently, cleaning and wiping it down outside and making sure that the unit is free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac specialists now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced prices on accessories and parts. They can be a great choice 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 watching your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means that you won’t be waiting long for 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 will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.