Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want an energy-efficient AC unit when you purchase one for your home. The greater 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.
There are four main types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. It is essential to take your time when selecting the best unit. You need to be sure that the new air conditioner is a good fit for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either work too hard to keep your home cool or will not be able to do the job in the first place, which will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the correct size of an AC unit for your home. Certain of these aspects are obvious, like the square footage. Some factors are less obvious, such as the number of heating appliances or technologies within your home. These appliances generate a lot of heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you employed. Certain types of materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which could affect the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also consider how well insulated your home is, as well as the number and type of windows and doors. Some are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to use an even larger AC unit.
Affirming all of these variables in consideration is the only method to make an accurate choice about 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 need is to have a Manual J load calculation done by a professional.
Once you have the capacity of your AC unit figured out, you can shop for a more specific model. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible you’ll require more capacity for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool your home 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.
Air conditioning units are evaluated by their BTUs, which is British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating indicates a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the area of your house. There are a variety of other factors to consider. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun can impact the quantity of heat transferred to your home. Your home’s level of insulation will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is crucial because it prevents cold air from venting as quickly.
When choosing an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family. People who open their doors and windows open will require air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. It’s also an excellent idea to look into tax credits that may be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can substantially reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. Furthermore, a modern unit is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner works properly, it will make a light buzzing sound when operating. If you hear other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running could be the result of various issues, but it’s important to get it checked out promptly to prevent further damage from being caused to the unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes the sound of a rattle when it’s on. It could be due to debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotor to shake. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they can result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is another typical AC problem. It could be due to the fact that the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can be caused by cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because of a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via the metering device, which has a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t a major issue, it’s always good to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. This problem can be expensive to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A qualified professional can provide the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you identify small problems before they turn into bigger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils, and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level and clear the drain pipe. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperatures or a failure to start or an obnoxious and squeaky noise are all indications that the system needs attention. It could be the time to upgrade your system, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. This includes changing filters regularly cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and keeping the unit 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 could block the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Just be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.
Certain AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that buy customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower rates on parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you don’t have the time or skills to maintain your equipment yourself or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. You won’t have to wait too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will give you an in-depth report of their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
