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 more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in how much you spend on energy costs. It’s important to be patient when choosing the right unit. You must ensure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. If it’s not the right size will be too large to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This can cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these factors are obvious, like the area. Other aspects aren’t as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC has to handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve used. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is and the number and kind of doors and windows. Some are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
When you know the amount you have, you can select the model that is suitable. But, it is important to note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit will cool a house faster but it will cost you higher energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. You’ll also see the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the size of your house. However, there are other factors that play a role in the same way. For example, the number of windows and their position towards the sun will influence the amount of heat transferred into your home. The insulation levels within your home also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from leaving as quickly.
When selecting an AC unit, you need to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. For instance, those who often open windows and doors will have to use their AC more often than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that may be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner is functioning well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be addressed immediately like the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system is shut off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on could be the result of various issues, but it’s important to get it checked out promptly to prevent further damage from occurring to your unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rumble as it spins. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed and allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via an instrument for metering that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to get an HVAC technician check it out just in the event of. It could be costly to fix this problem, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s essential to maintain it. A trained professional will give your unit an overall inspection, and this can help you spot minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that the system is in need of attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected, and you’ll save a lot of money on your utility bills over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will ensure that you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim back any foliage around the unit and keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also wash the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower rates on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. You won’t have to wait long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report of their findings, and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
