Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house, you want 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 extend the life of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you use. Choosing the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either be too heavy to keep your home cool or will fail to perform the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your house.
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 heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. This is because these items produce a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve used. Certain materials reflect heat and absorb it in various ways, which may impact the size of your AC unit. You also need to think about how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to install more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best method to determine the size of AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC unit figured out then you can search for a specific model. However, it is important to remember that if there have been changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a house quicker but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating means a less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors that determine the size of your air conditioner. However there are other elements that play a role as well. For instance, the number of windows and their position towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home can also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to take into consideration your family’s habits and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. For instance, those who often open their windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than households that keep them closed. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a light humming sound when it is running. If you hear other sounds, it could be a sign that your unit is not functioning properly.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running could be the result of many different issues, but it’s essential to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage being caused to the unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time for a change in your air filter it’s a simple and quick task to perform that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s on. This could be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to shake as it spins. Check the inside of your unit to determine if there are any of these problems. They could result in a malfunctioning compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining noise when running. It could be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure side of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem however, it’s recommended to have 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
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s new or old. A qualified professional will conduct an overall inspection, and this will help you identify small problems before they become large ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all signs that the system needs attention. It could be time to replace your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and will save you a lot of money on your energy bills over time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as it can. This includes changing filters on a regular basis, cleaning and wiping it down outside and keeping it free of debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area clear of leaves, twigs cobwebs, and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Make sure you use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC companies provide maintenance contracts that buy customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. They are a great option for those who don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is observing your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers of contract whenever a problem arises. It isn’t necessary to wait long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a detailed report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
