Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your home you should choose one that is energy efficient. 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 lifespan of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a big impact on how much energy you use. It is important to be patient when selecting the best unit. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will be too big to cool your home, or will not function at all. This 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. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heating appliances or technologies within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area, as well as the kind of building materials that you have employed. Certain types of materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed to let plenty of heat through, and may require that you use more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these aspects that you can make a precise decision about the best AC unit for your house. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator conducted by an expert is the most effective method of determining the size AC unit you need.
When you know the amount you’ll be able to select an air conditioner that is more suitable. It is possible to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a home faster, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. There’s also the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your AC is largely determined by the square footage of your home. However, there are other factors that are important as well. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun will influence the amount of heat that is transferred into your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from escaping at the same speed.
It’s also important to take into consideration the lifestyle and habits of your family when deciding on an AC unit. If you leave your windows and doors open will require AC more than those who close them. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that are sometimes available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it will make a slight humming sound when it’s operating. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be addressed right away like a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system has shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of many different issues, but it’s important to have it checked in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from happening to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick task that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s running. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotation to shake. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining sounds when it’s running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t 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, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering unit with a small orifice. Even though the hissing noise isn’t a major issue it is an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician examine it just in the event of. The issue could be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or old air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A certified professional will give your unit an overall inspection, and this will help you identify minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the 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 your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system, or making loud and squeaky sounds are all signs that it requires attention. It may also be time to consider an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will allow you to get the most years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that could block the 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 which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Some ac specialists now offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with 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 the knowledge to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.