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 greater the SEER rating the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the life 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 huge difference in how much you spend on energy costs. It is essential to take your time when choosing the right unit. You must make sure that your new air conditioner will fit your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either be too heavy to keep your house cool or won’t be able to complete the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will assist you to determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t so obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your region and what type of materials you used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is and the number and type of windows and doors. Some are designed to let lots of heat in and may require a larger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these elements that you can make a precise decision on the best AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will give you an idea. However, a manual J load calculator that is performed by an expert is the most effective method to determine the size of AC unit you require.
When you know the amount you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. However, you should note that if you have made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t think that a bigger capacity is more efficient. A bigger unit will cool a house faster but at the expense of more energy costs and premature wear. A well-maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the size of your house. However there are other elements which play a part as well. The amount of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the amount of heat transferred to your home. Insulation levels within your home also affect heat transfer. Insulation is crucial because it will prevent cold air from exiting your home as quickly.
It’s also important to take into consideration the lifestyle and habits of your family when selecting an AC unit. For instance, those who frequently open their windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than households that keep them shut. You may also consider tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying 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 only make a light buzzing sound when running. Any other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that require to be addressed right away for example, an eerie sound or a banging sound after the system has shut off.
A ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage happening to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be due to an obstruction within the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck in the unit or a damaged blade or a loose component that could cause the fan to rumble as it rotates. Check the inside of your unit to determine if there are any of these problems. They could result in a malfunctioning compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. It could be that the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts, which need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because of a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the low pressure side, through the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t an issue but it’s a good idea 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 is new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this can help you find minor issues before they grow into large ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or making the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to consider an upgrade, especially in the event that your energy costs have been going up.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills over the course of time. 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 dirt will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years out of your ac unit.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim any vegetation around the unit and keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs, and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit free of dirt. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could harm the parts of the unit.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include two-yearly inspections and reduced prices on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option if you do not have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment on your own or you would like peace of assurance that a technician is watching your system. Additionally, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. You won’t have to wait too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth analysis of their findings and provide suggestions for repairs or upgrades.