Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The more efficient the SEER rating, the more energy it will conserve. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to 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 big to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your house.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, such as the number of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. This is because these items generate a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect heat and absorb it in different ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require you to install more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only way to make an precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you know the capacity of your AC figured out, you can shop for a model that is more specific. However, it is important to remember that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit will chill a home faster, but it will cost you more energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning 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 SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is determined largely by the size of your home. However there are other elements that play a role in the same way. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can impact the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also have an impact. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from leaving at the same speed.
When selecting an AC unit, you need to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who leave their doors and windows open will require AC more than those who keep them closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will produce a buzzing sound when running. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign that your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running can be caused by a variety of issues, but it’s essential to check it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage from being caused to your unit. For instance the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick job which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s running. It could be due to debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to rumble. Examine the inside of your unit to determine whether you have any of these issues. They can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
A whining noise is another typical AC issue. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t sealed properly and allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be fixed as soon as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure side of the system to low-pressure side through a metering system that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound is not a major problem, it is always a good idea to have an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it is important to maintain it. A trained professional can give your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or making loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It’s probably time to replace your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as is possible. This includes changing filters on a regular basis cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping it free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include twice-yearly inspections, and also discounted prices on parts and accessories. They can be a great option for those who do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is observing your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers when a problem occurs. This means that you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call for your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report of their findings, and will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.
