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 higher the SEER rating the more energy it will conserve. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on the amount of energy you consume. Selecting the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You must ensure your new air conditioner is the correct 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 can cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC must deal with.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you have employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider the degree of insulation your home is as well as the quantity and types of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let a lot heat in, and may require an even larger AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects into consideration is the only way to make an accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a rough idea, but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to use a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC figured out, you can shop for a more specific model. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is better. A bigger unit will cool a home more quickly but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home 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. There’s also the SEER rating, or 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 main factors that determine the size of your AC. There are other aspects to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home can also affect heat transfer. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from venting as swiftly.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who leave their windows and doors open will require AC more than those who close them. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can help lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working well, it should only make a slight humming sound when it’s running. If you notice any other sounds, it could be an indication that your unit is malfunctioning.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on can be caused by many different issues, but it’s essential to check it out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage being caused to the unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes an eerie sound when it’s on. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit, a damaged blade, or a loose component that could cause the fan to rattle as it rotates. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they could result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. This can be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure end of the system to the lower pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue however, it is advisable to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, regardless of whether it’s brand new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you find minor issues before they grow into major ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all signs that the system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected, and you’ll save many dollars on your utility bills over the years. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. This includes changing filters on a regular basis as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping it free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim any vegetation around the unit. Also, keep the area free of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists provide maintenance agreements that give customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower prices on accessories and parts. They are a great choice when you don’t have the time or the knowledge to maintain your equipment on your own, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Additionally, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call when it comes to your air cooling. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.