Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you purchase one for your home. The higher the SEER the better energy is saved. This will reduce energy bills and also prolong the life of your unit.
The four primary kinds of air conditioners are: window units, central AC heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in the amount you spend on energy costs. Selecting the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You must make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized is either working too hard to keep your house cool or won’t be able to do the job effectively, which could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the proper size unit for your home.
There are many different aspects that affect the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other factors are not as intuitive, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC must handle.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area and the type of building materials that you have used. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is as well as the quantity and types of doors and windows. Some are designed to let a lot heat in and might require more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into account is the only way to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator conducted by a professional is the best method of determining the size AC unit you need.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC system identified then you can search for a model that is more specific. However, it is important to remember that if there have been changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will chill a home faster, but at the cost of higher energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the primary factors in determining the size of your AC unit. However there are other aspects which play a part too. The amount of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun could affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from leaving as swiftly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. For example, people who often open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more often than a family that keeps them closed. You can also look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a slight buzzing sound when running. Any other sounds could indicate issues in your unit that need to be fixed right away for example, a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system has shut off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on could be the result of various issues, but it’s important to get it checked out in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from happening to your unit. For example, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter and is a simple and quick task which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck within the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. Examine the inside of the unit to see whether you have any of these problems. They can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a common AC problem. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through an instrument for metering that has a small opening. While the hissing sound is not a big deal, it’s always good to have it examined by an HVAC technician in case of. It could be costly to correct this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s important to keep up with maintenance. A qualified professional can provide an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you spot small issues before they become larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or a loud and squeaky noise are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It’s probably time to replace your system, especially when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of dust will allow you to get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
It’s important to keep the area around the unit free of any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also wash the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Make sure you use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer which could damage the unit’s parts.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance agreements that include inspections twice a year, and lower prices for parts and accessories. These are an excellent option for those who don’t have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment on your own, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is watching your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you won’t be waiting long for an emergency repair when it comes to your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.