Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient

You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The higher the SEER the better energy is saved. This will save you money in energy costs and will also extend the life span of your unit.

The four main kinds of air conditioners include: window units, central AC heat pumps, central AC and ductless systems.

Size

The size of an AC unit can make a huge difference in the amount you pay for energy. Choosing the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner is the right size for your home. If it’s not the right size will either be too large to cool your home, or will not work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.

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 the square footage. There are other factors that aren’t as evident, such as the amount of heat-generating appliances or technology in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your air conditioner has to deal with.

It’s also important to consider the climate in your area as well as the type of building materials you have employed. Some materials reflect and absorb heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your AC unit. It is also important to consider the degree of insulation your home is, as well as the number and kind of doors and windows. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in and could require you to use a bigger AC unit.

It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a general idea, but the best method to determine the size of AC you need is to have a Manual J load calculation done by an expert.

Once you know the capacity of your AC system identified then you can search for a specific model. However, you should note that if you have made modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.

Energy Efficiency

When looking for an AC unit, don’t believe that a bigger capacity is better. A larger unit will chill a home faster, but at the expense of increased energy bills and wear and tear. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.

Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see an SEER rating or a Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.

The size of your air conditioner is determined largely by the area of your house. However there are other elements which play a part too. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the amount of heat that is transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is particularly important because it can stop cold air from leaving your home as quickly.

When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use AC more often than those who close them. You may also consider tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can significantly cut the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than a unit that is older.

Noise

When your air conditioner is working well, it should only produce a light humming noise when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal problems with your unit that need to be addressed immediately, such as a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system shuts off.

A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on could be the result of various issues, but it’s essential to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage being caused to your unit. The sound could be an indication that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a straightforward and quick job that doesn’t require the help of a professional.

If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. This can be caused by debris or dirt that has accumulated inside the unit, a damaged blade, or loose components that could cause the fan to shake as it spins. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they can result in a damaged compressor.

Another common AC issue is when it produces whining noise when running. It could be that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to be able to. This could be due to cracks and holes in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.

If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering unit with a small opening. Although the hissing sound isn’t a major issue it is a good idea to have an HVAC technician examine it just in case. 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’s brand new or old. A qualified professional can provide your unit a thorough inspection. This will allow you to detect small issues before they turn into bigger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, check and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, test for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace your filter if needed.

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’s probably time to replace your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy costs.

A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over the course of time. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly, rinsing and wiping down the unit outside and keeping it clear of dirt will help you get the most years from your AC unit.

It’s important to keep the area around the unit free of any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs, which could hinder airflow. You can also run hoses over the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could harm the parts of the unit.

Certain AC specialists provide maintenance agreements that give customers two-yearly maintenance inspections as well as reduced prices on accessories and parts. These are an excellent option if you do not have the time or the skills to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is watching your system. Additionally, many contractors give contract customers priority service whenever a problem occurs. It isn’t necessary to wait for too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings and provide recommendations for upgrades or repairs.