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 greater the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will save money on energy costs and 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 major impact on the amount of energy you consume. It’s important to be patient in selecting the right model. It is essential to make sure that your new air conditioner will fit your home. An incorrectly sized unit is either working too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the proper size unit for your house.

There are a variety of factors that determine the right size of an AC unit for your home. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner has to deal with.

It’s also important to consider the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider whether your home is insulated as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install an even larger AC unit.

Affirming all of these variables into consideration is the only way to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you need.

Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC system identified and you are able to shop for a more specific model. But, it is important to note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new area.

Energy Efficiency

Don’t think that more tonnage is better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a house quicker, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.

British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. You’ll also notice an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.

The area of your home is one of the main factors that determine the size of your AC. There are other aspects to consider. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from leaving as swiftly.

It’s also important to take into consideration the lifestyle and habits of your family when selecting an AC unit. If you leave your doors and windows wide open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.

Noise

If your air conditioner functions properly, it will make a slight humming sound when it is running. Any other sounds could indicate problems in your unit that need to be fixed right away for example, a buzzing sound or even an erupting sound after the system has shut off.

The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs could be the result of different issues. It is crucial to get it checked at the earliest opportunity to avoid further damage to your system. For instance the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.

If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction within the fan. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could cause the fan’s movement to rattle. Check the inside of your unit to see whether there’s any of these issues. They can quickly cause a compressor to fail.

Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. This can 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 ducts that need to be fixed immediately.

A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device with a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it is always an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.

Maintenance

If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A certified professional will give your unit an general inspection, which can help you spot 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 test the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.

Uneven temperature in the room or inability to turn on the system or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it needs attention. It might be time to replace your system, particularly if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.

A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will help you get the most years out of your ac unit.

It is important to keep the surrounding area free of any debris like leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could restrict airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the outdoor unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.

Certain AC experts offer maintenance agreements that include two-yearly inspections as well as reduced prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option for those who do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. This means you don’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call for your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.