Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your house you should choose one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER rating the more energy it will conserve. This will save money on energy bills and also prolong the lifespan 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 can have a big impact on the amount of energy you consume. The selection of the right model isn’t something to rush through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it will either work too hard to keep your house cool or will not be able to complete the task in the first place, which will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these factors are obvious, such as the area. Other aspects aren’t as intuitive, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these items produce a lot heat that your AC has to manage.
It is also important to consider the climate of your region and the type of material you employed. Some materials absorb and reflect heat in various ways, which can affect the size of your air conditioner. Also, you should think about how well your home is insulated as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require you to install more of an AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects into account is the only way to make a truly accurate choice about the right AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a manual J load calculator conducted by a professional is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you’ve got the tonnage of your AC system figured out, you can shop for a model that is more specific. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home in the time since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, that you’ll need more power for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t assume more tonnage means better when shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the expense of more energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size can 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 it is. You’ll also notice a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors that determine the size of your air conditioner. However there are other aspects that are important too. The amount of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can impact the quantity of heat transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also affect the quality of your home. Insulation is particularly important because it will prevent cold air from escaping your home as quickly.
It’s also important to think about the lifestyle and habits of your family when selecting an AC unit. If you leave your doors and windows open will require AC more often than those who keep them closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of buying a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner is functioning properly, it should produce a light humming noise when it’s running. If you notice any other sounds, it could be an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs is a result of various issues. It is important to have it checked promptly to prevent any further damage to your unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to change your air filter. This is a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the help of a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. This could be caused by dirt or debris that’s stuck inside the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that could cause the fan to rumble as it spins. Examine the inside of the unit to see if there are any of these problems. They can result in a malfunctioning compressor.
A whining sound is another typical AC problem. This could be due to the fact that the ducts aren’t sealed properly, which can allow cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This can be caused by holes and cracks in ducts that need to be fixed immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s usually because there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, through the metering device, which has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing sound isn’t a major issue, it is always a good idea to have an HVAC technician look into it just in case. It could be costly to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it is important to maintain it. A qualified professional will conduct an general inspection, which can help you spot small issues before they turn into major ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, verify proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace the filter, if required.
Uneven temperatures in the room, an inability to start or an obnoxious 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 help you save money over the years. Keeping up with maintenance tasks like replacing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of dust will allow you to enjoy the longest number of years from your AC unit.
It’s important to keep the space around the unit free of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs, which could restrict airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a regular garden hose and not a pressure washer that could damage the unit’s components.
Some AC companies provide maintenance contracts that buy customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower rates on parts and accessories. They are a great choice if you do not have the time or expertise to maintain your equipment, or you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many companies provide priority service to contract customers when a problem arises. You won’t need to wait for too long to get an air conditioning emergency repair. A good contractor will also provide you with a detailed report of their findings, and offer recommendations for upgrades or repairs.