Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you buy one for your home. The higher the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in how much you spend on energy costs. It is important to take your time when selecting the best unit. You need to make sure that your new air conditioner will fit your home. A unit that is not the right size will be too big to cool your home or will not work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of them are obvious, such as the square footage. Other factors are not as intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials that you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed to let lots of heat in and may require a larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables 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 an expert is the best method of determining the size AC unit you need.
Once you have the capacity of your AC figured out and you are able to shop for a more specific model. However, you should note that if you’ve made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a home more quickly but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating means an inefficient AC.
The size of your AC is largely determined by the square footage of your house. There are also other factors to consider. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can impact the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is especially important since it can stop cold air from exiting your home as fast.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who leave their doors and windows open will require AC more often than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy efficient than an older unit.
Noise
If your air conditioner is functioning well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s running. If you notice any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign that your unit is malfunctioning.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be a result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from happening to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s on. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck within the unit or a damaged blade or a loose component that could cause the fan to shake when it turns. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they could lead to a broken compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts, which need to be repaired as quickly as is possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the reason for a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, using the metering device, which has a small opening. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem, it is always an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. This problem can be expensive to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A trained professional will give the unit an general inspection, which will help you identify minor 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 levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace the filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room, inability to start the system, or noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It’s probably the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will allow you to get the most years out of your ac unit.
It’s important to keep the surrounding area free of obstructions like leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections as well as lower prices for parts and accessories. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or the knowledge to maintain your equipment on your own or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many companies give contract customers priority service when a problem arises. This means that you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call for your air cooling. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
