Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying 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 help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the life of your unit.
There are four main types of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on the amount of energy you use. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to rush through. You must make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either work too hard to keep your house cool or will fail to complete the task at all, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor will 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, such as the square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as obvious, such as the number of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. This is because these items produce a lot of heat that your AC must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials you’ve employed. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and kind of doors and windows. Some of these are designed for letting lots of heat in, and may require an even larger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these elements 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 most effective method of determining the size AC unit you require.
Once you know the tonnage, you can choose the model that is suitable. You might need to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for an AC unit, don’t think that a larger capacity is better. A larger unit can cool a house faster, but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer period of time.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the size of your house. There are a variety of other factors to consider. For instance, the amount of windows and their orientation towards the sun will influence the amount of heat that is transferred into your home. The insulation level of your home will also have an impact. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from leaving your home at a rapid rate.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to take into account the lifestyle and habits of your family. If you leave your doors and windows wide open will need to use AC more than those who keep them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than an older unit.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s running. If you hear any other sounds, it could be a sign that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner is running could be the result of different problems. It is crucial to have it checked at the earliest opportunity to prevent further damage to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked when your air conditioner emits a an eerie sound when it’s running. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotation to shake. It’s important to check the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they can cause a compressor to fail.
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 be able to. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via an instrument for metering that has a tiny orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to fix this problem so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s important to keep up with maintenance. A qualified technician can conduct the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also test the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also grease your thermostat, blower motor and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or a loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It might be time to replace your system, particularly if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
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. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts as long as is possible. This includes changing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping it free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s wise to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also wash the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include twice-yearly inspections, and lower prices for parts and accessories. These are a great option if you do not have the time or skills to maintain your equipment yourself or if you want peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many companies offer priority service to customers on contract when a problem arises. This means that you won’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair call in the case of your air cooling. A reliable contractor will give you an in-depth report on their findings, and make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.