Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you need one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy it can save. This will help you save money on energy costs and extend 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 your AC unit can have a big impact on the amount of energy you use. The selection of the right model isn’t something to 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 will fail to do the job effectively, which could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the best size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these factors are obvious, such as area. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, such as the number of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your AC must deal with.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area, as well as the kind of building materials you have used. Certain types of materials reflect and absorb 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 number and type of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require you to install a larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these elements that you can make a precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator conducted by an expert is the most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you need.
Once you have the tonnage of your AC figured out, you can shop for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if you have made modifications 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 think that a larger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit can cool a house quicker, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the primary factors that determine the size of your AC unit. There are other aspects to take into consideration. For example, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect how much heat is transferred to your home. The level of insulation within your home also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from exiting your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider your family’s lifestyle and habits. People who open their doors and windows wide open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it will only make a light sound that hums when it’s running. Other sounds could indicate problems in your unit that need to be addressed immediately for example, a buzzing sound or even an audible sound after the system is shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is on can be caused by a variety of issues, but it’s important to check it out in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from happening to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. It could be due dirt or debris stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to shake. Examine the inside of your unit to determine whether you have any of these problems. They could result in a malfunctioning compressor.
A whining noise is another frequent AC problem. It could be that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a loud sound coming from your air conditioning. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure end of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem, it is always recommended to have an HVAC technician check it out just in case. It can be costly to fix this issue therefore don’t leave it unattended.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s essential to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified professional will give your unit an general inspection, which can help you spot minor issues before they grow into 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 clear the drain pipe. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that it requires attention. It could be time to think about a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs have been going up.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as possible. This means replacing filters on a regular basis cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping the unit free of any debris.
It is important to keep the area around the unit free of obstructions such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can block airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit clean. Just be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s components.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include two-yearly inspections and discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is monitoring your system. Many contractors also give priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. This means that you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair when it comes to your air cooling. A good contractor will provide an in-depth report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
