Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners are: window units central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.
Size
The size of 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 need to ensure your new air conditioner is the right size for your home. If it’s not the right size will be too large to cool your home or will not work at all. This could cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that go into determining the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, like the area. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat, which your AC has to deal with.
You should also consider the climate in 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 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 into the house and will require you to use an even larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these factors that you can make a precise decision on the best AC unit for your house. You can make use of a square footage chart to get an idea of the general size but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to use a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC unit figured out and you are able to shop for a more specific model. But, it is important to note that if there have been changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, 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 can cool a house faster however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU 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 area of your home is one of the main factors in determining the size of your air conditioner. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. For instance, the amount of windows and their position towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred into your home. The level of insulation within your home also affect the transfer of heat. Insulation is crucial because it stops cold air from escaping as quickly.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when deciding on an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows wide open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. It’s also recommended to research tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can help lower the cost of a brand new air conditioner. A newer model will be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner works properly, it will produce a humming sound when it is running. Any other sounds could signal problems with your unit that need to be addressed right away like an eerie sound or an erupting sound after the system is shut off.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner is running is a result of different issues. It is important to check it as soon as you can to prevent further damage to your system. For example the sound could be a sign that it’s time to replace your air filter and is a simple and quick task to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it could be because of an obstruction within the fan. This can be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated in the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to shake. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of issues, since they could result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is a frequent AC problem. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed and allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which must be fixed immediately.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a loud sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound happens when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using a metering device that has a small opening. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in case. It can be costly to correct this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or older air conditioner, it’s important to maintain it. A qualified professional can provide an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also assess the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky sound are all indications that the system needs attention. It might be time to think about an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been going up.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save many dollars on your energy bills over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside, and keeping it free of dust will allow you to 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, which could block airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the outdoor unit clean. Be sure to use a regular garden hose, not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s parts.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include twice-yearly inspections, and also discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are a great option if you do not have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment on your own or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. In addition, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. You won’t have to wait too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reliable contractor will provide an in-depth report on their findings, and will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.