Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your home you need 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.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you pay for energy. Choosing the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. If it’s not the right size will be too large to cool your home or will not function in any way. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that go into determining the right size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, such as the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your AC must handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and what type of materials you used. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is as well as the quantity and kind of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and could require you to use more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make an accurate decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a rough idea but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you have the capacity of your AC system determined and you are able to shop for a model that is more specific. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool a house faster however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. There’s also a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates 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 which play a part as well. For example, the number of windows and their position towards the sun will influence the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. For instance, those who often leave doors and windows open will require their AC more often than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can help lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will make a light humming sound when it is operating. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that require to be addressed immediately, such as the sound of a buzzing or an audible sound after the system has shut off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of problems, but it’s crucial to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change 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 obstructed when your air conditioner emits a the sound of a rattle when it’s on. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck within the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle as it spins. Check the inside of your unit to see whether you have any of these problems. They could result in a malfunctioning compressor.
A whining noise is another typical AC issue. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, using the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t an issue however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. It can be costly to fix this problem, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A trained professional will conduct an all-encompassing inspection. This will help you identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or loud and squeaky sounds are all signs that it needs attention. It could be time to consider an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dirt will allow you to get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to keep the surrounding area free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could block airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit clean. Be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s parts.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections as well as reduced prices 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 certified technician is observing your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair when it comes to your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings and make suggestions for upgrades or repairs.