Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy it can save. This will save money on energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you use. It is important 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 is not the right size will either be too large to cool your home or won’t work at all. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as area. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat that your AC must handle.
You should also consider the climate of your area and what type of materials you employed. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. You should also consider the level of insulation your house is and the number and types of windows and doors. Some of these are designed for letting a lot heat in and could require that you use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make an accurate decision on the best AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator performed by an expert is the most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC identified, you can shop for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home more quickly, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer time.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the area of your house. However, there are other factors that play a role too. For instance, the number of windows and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred into your home. Insulation levels within your home also impact heat transfer. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from leaving as swiftly.
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 require their AC more frequently than households that keep them shut. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is functioning well, it should only make a light humming sound when it’s running. If you hear other sounds, it could be an indication that your unit is not functioning properly.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running is a result of different issues. It is crucial to check it promptly in order to avoid further damage to your unit. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. This can be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rumble when it turns. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via the metering device, which has a small orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal, it’s always good to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. It could be costly to fix this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, no matter if it’s new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an general inspection, which can help you find minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It may also be time to think about an upgrade, especially 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 dust will ensure that you get the maximum number of years from your AC unit.
It’s important to keep the area around the unit free of debris such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also wash the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac specialists offer maintenance contracts that buy customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower costs on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice for those who 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. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. This means that you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call for your air cooling. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report of their findings, and will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.