Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When purchasing an ac unit for your home, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER rating, the more energy it will conserve. This will save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.
The four major kinds of air conditioners are: window units, central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a significant difference in how much you pay for energy. The selection of the right model isn’t something you should rush through. You must make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. If it’s not the right size could be too large to cool your home or won’t work at all. This could cost you money. A professional 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 square footage. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your AC has to deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials that you have employed. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which may impact the size of your AC unit. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed for letting a lot heat in and might require an even larger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors in consideration is the only method to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation done by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage you’ll be able to select the model that is suitable. However, it is important to remember that if you have 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 area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will chill a home faster, but it will cost you increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the most important factors that determine the size of your air conditioner. However, there are other factors that play a role as well. For instance, the number of windows and their orientation towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home can also impact heat transfer. Insulation is especially important since it prevents cold air from leaving your home as fast.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. For example, people who tend to open their windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than households that keep them closed. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy-efficient than an older unit.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it should only make a slight humming sound when it’s operating. If you hear other sounds, it could be a sign the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of different issues. It is essential to have it checked at the earliest opportunity in order to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. It could be due to dirt or debris stuck within the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
A whining noise is another common AC problem. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as quickly as possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it examined by an HVAC technician in case of. It could be costly to fix this problem, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, no matter if it’s brand new or old. A certified professional will conduct an general inspection, which can help you find minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will test your 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 lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. This means replacing filters frequently as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping it free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim any vegetation around the unit. Also, keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also wash the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance contracts that buy customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced rates on parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you don’t have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment yourself, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. This means that you won’t be waiting long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.