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 greater the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four major kinds of air conditioners include: window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you consume. It is essential to take your time in selecting the right model. 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 perform the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the right size unit for your house.
There are a variety of factors that go into determining the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Some of them are obvious, like square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC has to deal with.
You should also consider the climate in your area and what type of materials you used. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is and the number and types of doors and windows. Some are designed to let plenty of heat through and might require that you use a bigger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors into consideration is the only method to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a general idea but the best way to find out what size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC system identified and you are able to shop for a more specific model. However, you should note that if you’ve made changes 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 believe that more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool your home quicker, but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size can cool your home efficiently 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. You’ll also see the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score indicates an inefficient 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 aspects which play a part too. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The insulation levels within your home also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is especially important since it will prevent cold air from exiting your home as fast.
It’s also important to think about your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who leave their windows and doors open will require AC more often than those who keep them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can help lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner runs is a result of various issues. It is important to get it checked as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage to your unit. For instance the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform that doesn’t require a specialist.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. This can be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck within the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rattle as it rotates. Examine the inside of the unit to determine if there are any of these problems. They can result in a malfunctioning compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it produces whining sounds when it’s running. It could be because the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts, which need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through an instrument for metering that has a small orifice. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem it is a good idea to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it is important to maintain it. A qualified professional can provide your unit a thorough inspection. This will help you spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or making loud and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. This means replacing filters regularly as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping the unit free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some ac specialists provide maintenance contracts that buy customers twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced prices on accessories and parts. They are a great choice if you do not have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment or if you want peace of assurance that a technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
