Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it can save. This will save you money on energy costs and lengthen the life of your unit.
The four primary types 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 consume. Choosing the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You need to ensure your new air conditioner is the correct size for your home. A unit that isn’t properly sized will either work too hard to keep your home cool or won’t be able to complete the task at all, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your house.
There are several different factors that go into determining the proper size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these are obvious, like square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, such as the number of heating appliances or technologies within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must handle.
You should also consider the climate of your area and the type of material you used. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider how well your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and may require you to use a larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables into consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a general idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you require is to get a manual J load calculation completed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage you’ll be able to select the model that is suitable. You might need to increase the capacity of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a home faster but it will cost you more in energy costs and wear prematurely. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and last for a longer period of time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. There’s also a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.
The area of your home is one of the most important factors in determining the size of your AC. There are a variety of other factors to consider. The number of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The insulation levels in your home can also impact the transfer of heat. Insulation is important because it prevents cold air from venting as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s important to take into account your family’s lifestyle and habits. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. You may also consider tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more efficient than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner is operating properly, it will make a slight sound that hums when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds that aren’t, it could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be a result of various issues, but it’s important to check it out in the earliest time possible to avoid further damage happening to the unit. For example, the sound can be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter, which is an easy and quick task to perform which doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction in the fan. This can be due to dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose parts can also cause the fan’s rotor to rattle. Check the inside of your unit to see whether there’s any of these problems. They can quickly lead to a faulty compressor.
A whining sound is another frequent AC issue. It could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be repaired immediately.
A leak in refrigerant is typically the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioner. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device with a small opening. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem however, it’s an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in case. The issue could be costly to solve, so it’s better not to ignore it.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your air conditioner, no matter if it’s new or old. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will examine the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if necessary.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system or noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It might be time to think about an upgrade, especially when your energy bills have been rising.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that is neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts as long as possible. This includes changing filters on a regular basis cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping the unit free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s recommended to trim any vegetation around the unit. Also, keep the area free of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include inspections twice a year, and also discounted prices on parts and accessories. These can be an excellent choice for those who do not have time to maintain your own equipment or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a trained technician is monitoring your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them whenever a problem arises. It isn’t necessary to wait long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will provide you with an in-depth analysis of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
