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 the better energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the life of your unit.
The four major kinds of air conditioners are: window units, central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in how much you pay for energy. It’s important to take your time when choosing the right unit. You must make sure that your new air conditioner is a good fit 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 at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that go into determining the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Certain of these aspects are obvious, like the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of heating appliances or technologies in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate in your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is as well as the quantity and kind of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require an even larger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors into account is the only method 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 that is performed by an expert is the most effective way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you have the capacity of your AC unit determined and you are able to shop for a model that is more specific. You might need to increase the power of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool your home more quickly however it will cost you more in energy costs and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer time.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll find an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating means an inefficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the area of your home. However there are other aspects which play a part too. For instance, the number of windows and their orientation towards the sun will influence the amount of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is crucial since it stops cold air from leaving as swiftly.
It’s also important to consider your family’s habits and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. For instance, those who tend to leave doors and windows open will have to use their AC more often than a household that keeps them closed. It’s also recommended to research 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. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working well, it will produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be an indication that your unit is malfunctioning.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running is a result of different issues. It is essential to check it promptly to avoid further damage to your system. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter and is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require a specialist.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rumble as it rotates. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they could cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. It could be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This can 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 because of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side through a metering system that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is recommended to get an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It could be costly to correct this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the coils, ductwork, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all signs that your system is in need of attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly 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 is neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over the years. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of dust will allow you to get the most years from your AC unit.
It is essential to keep the area around the unit free of any debris like leaves, twigs and cobwebs, which could hinder airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Make sure you use a regular garden hose, not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC companies now offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower costs on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment or if you want peace of assurance that a technician is in charge of your system. In addition, many contractors give contract customers priority service when a problem arises. You won’t have to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.