Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home, you want one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and will also extend the life span of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners include: window units central AC heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on how much energy you use. It is important to be patient when selecting the best unit. You must be sure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too large to cool your home, or will not work at all. This can cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the correct size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these factors are obvious, such as the square footage. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these devices produce a lot heat that your AC has to handle.
It’s also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials that you have employed. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. You also need to consider whether your home is insulated, as well as the number of windows and doors you have. Some are designed for letting a lot heat in and might require that you use an even larger AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects into consideration is the only way to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can utilize a chart of square footage to get a rough idea, but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the capacity of your AC figured out and you are able to shop for a more specific model. However, it is important to remember that if there have been changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t think that a larger capacity is better. A bigger unit will cool a house faster but at the expense of higher energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to evaluate air conditioning units. The higher the BTU 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 SEER rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the square footage of your house. However there are other aspects that play a role in the same way. The number of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from escaping as swiftly.
When choosing an AC unit, you need to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who leave their doors and windows wide open will require AC more than those who keep them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that may be available for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can reduce the price of a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s running. If you hear other sounds, it could be a sign that your unit is malfunctioning.
The ringing sound that occurs when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different problems. It is crucial to get it checked as soon as you can to avoid any further damage to your unit. For instance the sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter and is a simple and quick job that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be due to an obstruction within the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt that has accumulated within the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. Check the inside of your unit to see whether there’s any of these issues. They can cause a compressor to fail.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining noise when running. This can be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to get in. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that require to be repaired as quickly as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s due to a 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. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue however, it’s a good idea to have an HVAC technician look into it just in case. This issue can be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is essential to maintain your air conditioner, no matter if it’s new or old. A trained professional will give your unit an general inspection, which will help you identify small problems before they become 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 lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room, inability to start the system, or the loud and squeaky sound are all indications that the system requires attention. It may also be time to think about an upgrade, especially if your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and save you money over time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of debris will ensure that you get the most years out of your ac unit.
It’s important to keep the space around the unit free of any debris such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Make sure you use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Some ac experts provide maintenance contracts that 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 skills to maintain your equipment on your own, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is watching your system. Some contractors also offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call in the case of your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
