Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you use. It is essential to be patient when selecting the best unit. It is essential to make sure that your new air conditioner will fit your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or won’t be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so intuitive, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances within your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to handle.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and what type of materials you employed. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and types of windows and doors. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and could require that you use more of an AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only way to make an precise decision about the best 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 best method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC unit figured out then you can search for a specific model. However, it is important to remember that if you have made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t think that more tonnage is better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a home quicker, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer time.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal 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 SEER rating means an inefficient AC.
The size of your house is one of the most important factors in determining the size of your AC. There are also other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the amount of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun will influence the amount of heat transferred into your home. Insulation levels in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from escaping your home as fast.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. For instance, those who frequently open their windows and doors will require their AC more frequently than a household that keeps the doors and windows closed. You may also consider tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more efficient than an older unit.
Noise
If your air conditioner is functioning well, it should only make a light humming sound when it’s operating. If you notice any other sounds, it could be a sign your unit is malfunctioning.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be a result of various problems, but it’s crucial to check it out as soon as possible to avoid further damage happening to the unit. For instance the sound could be a sign that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick job that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they could result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed and allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired immediately.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering system that has a tiny orifice. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it’s a good idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in case. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, whether it is new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an general inspection, which can help you spot minor issues before they grow into large ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and inspect the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease the blower motor and thermostat and replace your filter if needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It’s probably time to replace your system, particularly in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and will save you a lot of money on your energy bills over the course of time. Maintaining your AC’s maintenance routine like changing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will ensure that you enjoy the longest number of years out of your ac unit.
It is important to keep the area around the unit free of obstructions such as leaves, twigs and cobwebs that could restrict airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Make sure you use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s parts.
Certain AC specialists offer maintenance contracts that provide customers with regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower prices on accessories and parts. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment yourself or if you want peace of assurance that a technician is watching your system. Additionally, many contractors give contract customers priority service when a problem arises. This means you don’t be waiting long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A good contractor will provide an in-depth analysis of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
