Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you buy one for your home. The greater the SEER the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
The four main 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 how much you spend on energy costs. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You must ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. If it’s not the right size could be too large to cool your home, or will not work at all. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your house.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. This is because these items produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your area and what type of materials you used. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider whether your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a general idea, but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC system figured out then you can search for a specific model. It is possible to increase the capacity of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your house since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home quicker, but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning 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 SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is largely determined by the size of your home. However, there are other factors which play a part in the same way. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is particularly important because it can stop cold air from leaving your home as fast.
It’s also important to think about the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their windows and doors open will require AC more often than those who close them. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer model will also 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 running. Other sounds could indicate problems in your unit that need to be fixed right away, such as a buzzing sound or even an erupting sound after the system has shut off.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of various issues. It is essential to get it checked as soon as you can in order to avoid any further damage to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to shake as it spins. Examine the inside of your unit to determine whether there’s any of these issues. They can quickly result in a malfunctioning compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be because the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that require to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because of a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering system with a small orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal but it’s a good idea to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or old air conditioner, it is important to keep up with maintenance. A qualified professional will conduct an general inspection, which will help you identify minor issues before they grow into large ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that your system is in need of attention. It might be time to think about an upgrade, especially if your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected, and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dirt will help you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim any vegetation around the unit. Also, keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some ac specialists now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They are a great choice for those who do not have time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is observing your system. Additionally, many contractors offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and will make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
