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 more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main types 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 consume. The selection of the right model isn’t something to 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 could be too big to cool your home or will not function at all. This can cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the proper size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that go into determining the proper size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Some factors are less evident, such as the amount of heating appliances or technologies in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC has to deal with.
It is also important to consider the climate of your region and what type of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning 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 lots of heat in and could require more of an AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a general idea but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to get a manual J load calculation completed by an expert.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC system determined then you can search for a model that is more specific. It is possible to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house 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 chill a home faster, but it will cost you increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. You’ll also see the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the primary factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are also other factors to consider. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred into your home. The insulation levels in your home will also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to think about your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use AC more than those who keep them 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. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will make a light humming sound when it is operating. Other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be addressed right away like the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system shuts off.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many various issues. It is crucial to get it checked as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage to your unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed in the event that your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s on. This could be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they could lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be because the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to be able to. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired immediately.
A refrigerant leak is typically the reason for a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem, it is always a good idea to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. This issue can be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A trained professional can give an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will allow you to identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that your system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, especially in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save lots of money on your energy bills over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as it can. This means replacing filters frequently as well as cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping the unit free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim any vegetation around the unit and keep the area clear of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Certain AC specialists provide maintenance agreements that give customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or skills to maintain your equipment on your own, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers of contract when there is a problem. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call in the case of your air conditioning. A reliable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
