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 greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in the amount you pay for energy. It is essential to take your time in selecting the right model. You must be sure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as area. Other aspects aren’t as intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat that your AC must handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider whether your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some 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 decision on the best AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. You may need to increase the tonnage of your air cooling system if you’ve made any changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is better. A larger unit will chill a home faster, but at the expense of higher energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will efficiently cool your home and last for a longer lifespan.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate 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 means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is determined largely by the area of your home. However, there are other factors that play a role in the same way. For instance, the amount of windows and their position to the sun will affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to take into consideration the lifestyle and habits of your family when selecting an AC unit. For instance, those who frequently open windows and doors will need to use their AC more frequently than households that keep them shut. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it should produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. Other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that require to be fixed right away like the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system has shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to have it checked in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage being caused to the unit. For instance, the sound can be a sign that it’s time to change your air filter and is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require a specialist.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed when your air conditioner emits a the sound of a rattle when it’s on. This could be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, as they could cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. It could be because the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, via a metering device that has a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal, it’s always good to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this can help you find minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like replacing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will ensure that you get the most years from your AC unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some ac specialists provide maintenance agreements that give customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent option when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers when a problem occurs. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call in the case of your air conditioning. A good contractor will provide an in-depth analysis of their findings, and will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.
