Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs as well as extend the life span of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a big impact on the amount of energy you use. It is important to be patient when choosing the right unit. You need to make sure that your new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these devices produce a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your region and what type of materials you used. Certain types of materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider whether your home is insulated, as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed to let a lot heat in and could require that you use a bigger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a sound choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will 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 the tonnage of your AC system identified, you can shop for a more specific model. You might need to increase the tonnage of your air cooling system if you’ve made any changes to your home since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is better. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the cost of higher energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is determined largely by the area of your home. However there are other aspects which play a part too. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun can affect how much heat is transferred into your home. Insulation levels in your home can also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
It’s also important to consider the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. People who leave their doors and windows wide open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it should only make a slight humming sound when it’s operating. If you hear other sounds, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on could be the result of a variety of problems, but it’s crucial to check it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to shake as it rotates. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through a metering device that has a small opening. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem, it is always recommended to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s brand new or old. A qualified professional will conduct an overall inspection, and this will help you identify minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also check the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperature in the room, inability to start the system, or loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that it requires attention. It may also be time to think about a replacement, especially when your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts for as long as is possible. This means replacing filters on a regular basis as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of any debris.
It is important to keep the area around the unit free of debris like leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Just be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists now offer maintenance agreements that give customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower costs on parts and accessories. They can be a great option if you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is watching your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers of contract whenever a problem arises. This means that you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air conditioning. A reliable contractor will provide an in-depth report of their findings, and will make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
