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 greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the lifespan 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 an AC unit can make a huge difference in the amount you pay for energy. The selection of the right model isn’t something to rush through. You need to 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 big to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This can cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your house.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials that you have used. Some materials reflect and absorb 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 kind of doors and windows. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and might require you to use more of an AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only method to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size but the best way to find out what size of AC you need is to use a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you have the capacity of your AC determined and you are able to shop for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if there have been changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a house faster but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning 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 determined largely by the area of your house. However there are other aspects that are important too. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect how much heat is transferred into your home. Insulation levels in your home will also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a light humming sound when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds, it could be a sign that your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of various issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out promptly 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 simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could cause the fan’s movement to rumble. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. It could be that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to get in. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side through a metering system with a small opening. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It can be costly to correct this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s brand new or old. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter, if required.
Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it requires attention. It could be time to consider replacing the system, particularly if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your utility bills over the years. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine such as replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will ensure that you get the maximum number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of any debris like leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could block airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Certain AC specialists now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced prices on accessories and parts. These are a great option for those who don’t have the time or skills to maintain your equipment yourself, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. In addition, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. It isn’t necessary to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
