Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs as well as extend the life 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 big difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. It is essential to take your time when selecting the best unit. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate 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 do the job effectively, which could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will 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 are obvious, such as the area. Some factors are less evident, such as the amount of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. This is because these appliances generate a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area, as well as the kind of building materials you’ve employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is and the number and types of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in, and may require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by an expert is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you know the tonnage you have, you can select an air conditioner that is more suitable. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can chill a home faster, but it will cost you higher energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is largely determined by the area of your home. There are also other factors to consider. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from leaving as swiftly.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when choosing an AC unit. For instance, those who frequently open their windows and doors will need to use their AC more frequently than a household that keeps them shut. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it will make a light humming sound when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds, it could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs is a result of various issues. It is crucial to get it checked as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotation to shake. Check the inside of your unit to determine if there are any of these issues. They can quickly result in a malfunctioning compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC issue. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be repaired as quickly as possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the reason for a hissing noise coming from your air conditioning. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering system with a small opening. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem, it is always a good idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. This problem can be expensive to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, whether it is new or old. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you detect small issues before they become larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or making loud and squeaky sounds are all signs that it needs attention. It might be time to think about replacing the system, particularly when your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as it can. This includes changing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area clear of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Be sure to use a standard garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists provide maintenance agreements that give customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced prices on accessories and parts. These can be an excellent choice when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them when a problem occurs. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair for your air cooling. A reliable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
