Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money in energy costs and lengthen the life span of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: 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. It’s important to take your time in selecting the right model. It is essential to be sure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. If it’s not the right size could be too large to cool your home, or won’t work at all. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your house.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC must deal with.
It is also important to take into consideration the climate in your area and the type of building materials you have employed. Some materials reflect heat and absorb it in various ways, which could impact the size of your air conditioner. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and types of doors and windows. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require a larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make a precise choice about the most suitable 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 need is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the capacity of your AC identified, you can shop for a specific model. However, it is important to remember that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is better. A larger unit will cool a house faster but at the expense of higher energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your air conditioner is mostly determined by the size of your house. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is particularly important because it prevents cold air from leaving your home as quickly.
It’s also important to consider the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. For instance, those who tend to open their windows and doors will require their AC more often than a household that keeps them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the price of a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will make a slight buzzing sound when operating. Other sounds could indicate problems in your unit that need to be addressed immediately for example, the sound of a buzzing or an erupting sound after the system shuts off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is on can be a result of many different issues, but it’s essential to check it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring to the unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is obstructed if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s turned on. It could be due to debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. Examine the inside of the unit to determine whether there’s any of these issues. They can quickly cause a compressor to fail.
A whining sound is another common AC issue. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed and allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that require to be fixed as soon as possible.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a loud sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it is always a good idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It can be costly 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 certified professional will give your unit an general inspection, which can help you spot small problems before they become major ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or hear a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that the system requires attention. It might be time to think about a replacement, especially in the event that your energy costs are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. This means replacing filters regularly cleaning and wiping it down outside and keeping the unit free of debris.
It’s important to keep the surrounding area free of obstructions such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs, which could block airflow. You can also hose the coils and fins to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some AC companies offer maintenance agreements that give customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced costs on parts and accessories. They are a great option for those who do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a trained technician is watching your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
