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 greater the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the life of your unit.

There are four major types of air conditioning systems: 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. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through. You must make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will either be too big to cool your home or won’t work at all. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can assist you in choosing the ideal size unit for your home.

There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your AC must deal with.

It is also important to take into consideration the climate of your area as well as the type of building materials that you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed for letting a lot heat in and could require you to use a bigger AC unit.

It is only after taking into account all of these aspects that you can make a sound choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. A square footage chart can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator performed by a professional is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.

Once you know the tonnage, you can choose a model that is more suitable. However, you should note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.

Energy Efficiency

When shopping for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is more efficient. A bigger unit will chill a home faster, but at the cost of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.

British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. There’s also an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.

The area of your home is one of the main factors that determine the size of your AC unit. However, there are other factors which play a part too. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun could affect the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Insulation levels in your home can also impact heat transfer. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from leaving as quickly.

It’s also important to consider your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. For example, people who often open windows and doors will require their AC more often than a household that keeps them closed. You may also consider tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can help lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.

Noise

If your air conditioner functions well, it will make a light buzzing sound when running. If you hear any other sounds this could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.

The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of different problems. It is important to get it checked at the earliest opportunity to avoid any further damage to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of an expert.

If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. It could be due to dirt or debris stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to rumble. Examine the inside of the unit to determine whether you have any of these problems. They can quickly result in a malfunctioning compressor.

Another common AC issue is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as is possible.

If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure end of the system to low-pressure side through a metering unit that has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal, it’s always good to have it checked by an HVAC technician just in case. This problem can be expensive to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.

Maintenance

It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, whether it’s brand new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an all-encompassing inspection. This can help you spot small problems before they become major ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.

Uneven temperature in the room, inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It might be time to think about replacing the system, particularly if your energy bills are increasing.

A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of debris will ensure that you enjoy the longest number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.

It’s important to keep the space around the unit free of any debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can restrict airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.

Some AC specialists offer maintenance agreements that include inspections twice a year, and also lower prices for parts and accessories. These are an excellent option for those who don’t have the time or the knowledge to maintain your equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. It isn’t necessary to wait for too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.