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 the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs and lengthen the life span 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 the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. It’s important to take your time in selecting the right model. You must make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. An incorrectly sized unit is either working too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these factors are obvious, such as area. Other aspects aren’t so intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these items produce a lot of heat that your AC must handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of building materials you have employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should think about how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let plenty of heat through and might require a bigger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors in consideration is the only method to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a general idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC system figured out then you can search for a model that is more specific. You may need to increase the capacity of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your home since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will chill a home faster, but at the cost of higher energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate 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 SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the primary factors in determining the size of your AC. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can impact the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation within your home also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from leaving as quickly.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their windows and doors open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign that your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running could be the result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused 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 help of an expert.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotation to rumble. Check the inside of your unit to determine whether there’s any of these problems. They can lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces a whining sound when it’s running. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t properly sealed which allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through an instrument for metering that has a small opening. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem, it is always an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in case. This issue can be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or old air conditioner, it is important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to detect small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils, 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 necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all indications that the system needs attention. It may also be time to consider a replacement, especially if your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected, and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of dirt will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer that 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 costs on parts and accessories. These are a great option if you do not have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. In addition, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. You won’t need to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will give you an in-depth report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
