Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on how much energy you use. It’s important to be patient when choosing the right unit. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or won’t be able to complete the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these items produce a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and the type of material you employed. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider the degree of insulation your home is, as well as the number and type of windows and doors. Some are designed for letting lots of heat in and could require you to use more of an AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only way to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a general idea however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your home since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit can cool a house faster but at the expense of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. There’s also a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is mostly determined by the area of your home. However there are other aspects which play a part in the same way. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from exiting your home as fast.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who leave their windows and doors open will need to use AC more than those who close them. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will produce a humming sound when it is running. Any other sounds could indicate issues in your unit that need to be addressed immediately like the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system shuts off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on can be caused by various issues, but it’s important to check it out as soon as possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. For instance the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter and is a simple and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s running. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. Check the inside of your unit to determine whether you have any of these issues. They could lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining sounds when it’s running. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device with a small orifice. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem it is an ideal idea 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 older air conditioner, it’s essential to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified professional will conduct an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you find small issues before they turn into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven temperature in the room or inability to turn on the system, or the loud and squeaky sound are all signs that it needs attention. It might be time to consider replacing the system, particularly if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will help you enjoy the longest number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It’s important to keep the space around the unit free of any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could block 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 standard garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice when you don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. This means you don’t be waiting long for an emergency repair call when it comes to your air conditioning. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
