Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money in energy costs and lengthen the life of your unit.
There are four major types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of an AC unit can make a big difference in how much you spend on energy costs. Choosing the right unit isn’t something you should rush through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the correct size for your home. An incorrectly sized unit will either work too hard to keep your house 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 right size unit for your home.
There are several different factors that affect the right size of an AC unit for your home. Some of these are obvious, like the square footage. Other factors are not as evident, like the amount of heat-generating technology or appliances in your home. This is because these devices generate a lot of heat that your AC has to handle.
You should also consider the climate in your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat in different ways, which could impact the size of your AC unit. You should also consider the degree of insulation your home is and the number and kind of windows and doors. Some of these are designed to let lots of heat in and may require an even larger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these factors that you can make a precise decision about the best AC unit for your home. A square footage chart will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by an expert is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you have figured out the tonnage you have, you can select a model that is more suitable. However, it is important to remember that if there have been changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, it’s possible that you’ll need more power for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A bigger unit will cool a home quicker but it will cost you more in energy bills and wear out more quickly. A well-maintained AC unit of the proper size will cool your home efficiently and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. You’ll also see a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating indicates an inefficient AC.
The size of your AC unit is largely determined by the area of your house. However, there are other factors which play a part in the same way. For example, the number of windows as well as their orientation towards the sun will influence how much heat is transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also affect heat transfer. Insulation is especially important since it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as quickly.
It’s also important to take into consideration your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows wide open will need to use AC more often than those who keep them closed. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can reduce the cost of a brand new air conditioner. Additionally, a more modern model is likely to be more energy efficient than an older one.
Noise
When your air conditioner works well, it will only make a slight humming sound when it is operating. If you hear other sounds that aren’t, it could be a sign your unit is not functioning properly.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs can be caused by many different problems. It is essential to check it at the earliest opportunity to prevent further damage to your system. The sound could be a sign it’s time to change your air filter. It’s a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of an expert.
If your air conditioner is making a loud rumbling sound when it’s on, it may be because of an obstruction in the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt that’s stuck within the unit or a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to shake as it rotates. Check the inside of your unit to see whether you have any of these issues. They can quickly result in a malfunctioning compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it begins to produce whining sounds when it’s running. It could be because the ducts have not been properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to holes and cracks in ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you hear a sound of hissing emanating from your air conditioner, it’s because there is a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant is moved from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem however, it’s an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician check it out just in case. This problem can be expensive to fix, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
Whether you have a new or old air conditioner, it’s important to ensure that you are keeping up with maintenance. A trained professional can give an in-depth inspection of your unit. This will help you identify small problems before they grow into larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, test for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat, and replace your filter if necessary.
Uneven temperatures in the room and inability to get started or a loud and squeaky sound are all signs that your system needs attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, particularly when you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills.
A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that’s neglected and you’ll save a lot of money on your utility bills over time. Maintaining your AC unit will ensure it lasts for as long as is possible. This includes changing filters regularly, cleaning and wiping the unit down outside and making sure that the unit is free of debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area clear of leaves, twigs cobwebs and other debris that could block the airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils 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 damage the unit’s parts.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections and also discounted prices on parts and accessories. They are a great option for those who don’t have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is watching your system. Additionally, many companies offer priority service to customers on contract whenever a problem occurs. You won’t need to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also give you a comprehensive report of their findings and provide suggestions for upgrades or repairs.