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 more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
The four primary types 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 how much energy you consume. Choosing the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You must ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or will fail to perform the task effectively, which could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your house.
There are many different aspects that affect the right size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these factors are obvious, such as area. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your AC must handle.
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 types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should think about how well your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require more of an AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these aspects that you can make a sound choice about the most suitable AC unit for your house. A chart of square footage will give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by an expert is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC determined, you can shop for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if there have been changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you’ll require more capacity for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t think that a larger capacity is better. A bigger unit will cool your home more quickly, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer period of time.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The area of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your AC unit. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can impact the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to consider the habits of your family and lifestyle when choosing an AC unit. For example, people who frequently open windows and doors will require their AC more frequently than a family that keeps them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that use less energy. These discounts can help lower the price of a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern model is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working properly, it should make a slight humming sound when it’s running. Any other sounds could signal problems in your unit that need to be addressed right away for example, an eerie sound or an erupting sound after the system is shut off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be caused by various problems, but it’s crucial to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage being caused to the unit. For instance, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter and is a simple and quick task that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be because of an obstruction in the fan. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotation to rattle. Examine the inside of the unit to see whether you have any of these problems. They can quickly lead to a faulty compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it produces whining noise when running. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which must be fixed immediately.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused 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. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem it is recommended to get an HVAC technician examine it just in case. It’s expensive to correct this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, no matter if it’s new or old. A qualified professional can provide an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant levels and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate 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 signs that it requires attention. It could be the time to upgrade your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it free of dirt will help you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim any vegetation around the unit. You should also keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Make sure you use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some AC specialists offer maintenance contracts which include twice-yearly inspections, as well as discounted prices on parts and accessories. They can be a great choice when you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a certified technician is observing your system. Many contractors also give priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. This means you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair for your air cooling. A reputable contractor will provide you with an in-depth analysis of their findings and provide suggestions for repairs or upgrades.