Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it will conserve. This will help you save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit can have a big impact on the amount of energy you use. The selection of the right model isn’t something you should rush through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too big to cool your home or will not function at all. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the ideal size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. 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 within your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot of heat that your AC has to manage.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you’ve used. Some materials reflect heat and absorb it in different ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in, and could require more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a general idea however the most effective method to determine the size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage, you can choose the model that is suitable. It is possible to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made changes to your home since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit will cool a house faster but at the expense of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
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 a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the square footage of your house. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the number of windows and their position to the sun will affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Insulation levels in your home can also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from venting as quickly.
It’s also important to consider your family’s habits and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. People who open their windows and doors open will require AC more often than those who keep them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that are sometimes available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will only make a slight sound that hums when it’s running. If you notice any other sounds, it could be a sign the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to check it out as soon as possible to avoid further damage occurring to your unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter it’s a simple and quick task which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed when your air conditioner emits a an eerie sound when it’s on. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle as it rotates. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC problem. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device with a small opening. Even though the hissing noise isn’t a major issue it is an ideal idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in the event of. It’s expensive to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A qualified professional can provide your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they become larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all signs that your system requires attention. It might be time to consider a replacement, especially when your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills over time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it free of debris will help you get the most years from your AC unit.
It is important to keep the surrounding area free of any debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that could hinder airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Just be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance agreements that include inspections twice a year, and also reduced prices on parts and accessories. They are a great option for those who do not have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like the peace of mind of knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers when there is a problem. You won’t need to wait long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.