Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home, you want one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four primary types of air conditioners are window units central AC heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. It is important to be patient when selecting the best unit. It is essential to make sure that your 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 will not be able to do the job at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like square footage. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. This is because these items generate a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
You should also consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require 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 an idea of the general size however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you need is to use 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. But, it is important to note that if there have been modifications to your home 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 will chill a home faster, but it will cost you higher energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates that the AC is less efficient. AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred into your home. The insulation levels in your home can also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from escaping at the same speed.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. For example, people who often open windows and doors will need to use their AC more frequently than a family that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a light sound that hums when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running can be a result of various problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring to your unit. For example, the sound can be a sign that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s running. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck within the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to shake. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be repaired as soon as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue however, it is advisable to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. This problem can be expensive to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, no matter if it is new or old. A certified professional will give your unit an general inspection, which can help you spot minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system, or making the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It may also be time to consider replacing the system, particularly if your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dirt will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Some AC companies provide maintenance contracts that provide customers with two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They are a great choice 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 trained technician is watching your system. Additionally, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means that you won’t be waiting long for an emergency repair for your air cooling. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.