Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient

When buying an air conditioner for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER the better energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and extend the life of your unit.

There are four major types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.

Size

The size of your AC unit can have a big impact on how much energy you use. It is important to take your time in selecting the right model. You must ensure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will fail to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A professional 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 factors are obvious, like the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. This is because these items generate a lot of heat that your AC must handle.

It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you employed. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You also need to consider whether your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some of these are designed for letting lots of heat in, and may require you to use a bigger AC unit.

It is only after taking into account all of these elements that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get an idea of the general size however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to use a manual J load calculation performed by an expert.

Once you know the tonnage, you can choose an air conditioner that is more suitable. But, it is important to note that if you’ve made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new area.

Energy Efficiency

When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t think that more tonnage is better. A larger unit can cool a house quicker but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.

British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate 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 rating indicates an inefficient AC.

The size of your AC is determined largely by the size of your house. However there are other aspects that play a role 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. The level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from leaving as quickly.

When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to take into account your family’s lifestyle and habits. People who open their windows and doors open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. You can also look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.

Noise

If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a light sound that hums when it’s running. Other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that require to be fixed right away like the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system is shut off.

The sound that is heard when your air conditioner is running could be the result of various issues. It is crucial to have it checked at the earliest opportunity in order to avoid further damage to your system. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the help of a professional.

If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotation to rattle. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they could lead to a broken compressor.

A whining sound is a frequent AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to be able to. This could also be caused by holes or cracks in the ducts that require to be fixed as soon as possible.

If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through a metering device that has a small opening. Although the sound of hissing isn’t an issue, it’s always good to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. It could be costly to correct this issue so don’t overlook 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 larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat 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 your system requires attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.

A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save lots of money on your utility bills over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dust will help you enjoy the longest number of years of use from your air conditioning unit.

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim back any foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could harm the parts of the unit.

Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that include twice-yearly inspections, as well as reduced prices on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option when you don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will provide an in-depth analysis of their findings, and will make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.