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 more efficient the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will help you save money on energy costs and lengthen the life of your unit.
The four main kinds of air conditioners are: window units, central AC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Size
The size of the size of your AC unit can have a big impact on how much 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. A unit that is not the right size could be too large to cool your home or will not work at all. This will 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. There are other factors that aren’t as evident, such as the amount of technology or appliances that generate heat in your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your air conditioner has to manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate in your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials reflect heat and absorb it in different ways, which could impact the size of your AC unit. You also need to think about how well your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in, and may require an even larger AC unit.
Taking all of these factors in consideration is the only way to make an precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a rough idea however the most effective way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC unit figured out then you can search for a specific model. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit will cool a home more quickly however it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit that is the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also notice an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the size of your home. There are other aspects to consider. 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 impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is especially important since it will prevent cold air from leaving your home at a rapid rate.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when deciding on an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows wide open will need to use AC more often than those who close them. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that are sometimes available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can lower the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older one.
Noise
If your air conditioner is working properly, it should make a slight humming sound when it’s running. If you hear other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The buzzing noise that occurs when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different issues. It is crucial to have it checked at the earliest opportunity to prevent any further damage to your unit. For instance, the sound can 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.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked in the event that your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s running. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rattle as it rotates. Examine the inside of the unit to determine if there are any of these problems. They could lead to a faulty compressor.
A whining noise is another common AC problem. This can be because the ducts haven’t been properly sealed, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which must be repaired as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a loud noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant moves from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, using the metering device, which has a small orifice. While the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it is advisable to have it looked at by an HVAC technician in case of. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, no matter if it is new or old. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels, and then clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor and thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven room temperature or inability to turn on the system or the loud and squeaky sound are all signs that it needs attention. It might be time to consider a replacement, especially if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over the years. Maintaining your unit will ensure that it lasts as long as is possible. This includes replacing filters on a regular basis, cleaning and wiping it down outside and making sure that the unit is free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim any vegetation around the unit. Also, keep the area clear of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that can block the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac experts offer maintenance contracts which include two-yearly inspections as well as reduced prices on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option if you do not have the time or the knowledge to maintain your equipment on your own or you would like peace of peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to contract customers when a problem occurs. It isn’t necessary to wait for too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with an in-depth report on their findings, and will make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.