Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When buying an air conditioner for your house, you want one that is energy efficient. The greater the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will save you money in energy costs as well as extend the life of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a big impact on the amount of energy you consume. Selecting the right unit isn’t something to be rushed through. You need to make sure that the new AC is the right size for your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will be too large to cool your home, or will not function in any way. This could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are many factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, such as the square footage. Certain factors aren’t so obvious, like the number of heating appliances or technologies within your home. These devices generate a lot of heat that your AC must deal with.
You should also consider the climate of your area and the kind of materials you used. Certain materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You should also think about the degree of insulation your home is, as well as the number and type of doors and windows. Certain of them are designed to let lots of heat in, and could require you to install a larger AC unit.
It is only by weighing all of these aspects that you can make an accurate choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a rough idea but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to use a manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage, you can choose a model that is more suitable. It is possible to increase the tonnage of your air cooling system if you’ve made any changes to your home since the last time you replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t believe that more tonnage means more efficient when choosing an AC unit. A larger unit can cool your home faster, but at the expense of more energy costs and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s of the right size will effectively cool your home and run for a longer lifespan.
Air conditioning units are rated by their BTUs, also known as 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 rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is mostly determined by the area of your house. However, there are other factors that play a role too. The amount of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also have an impact. Insulation is particularly important because it prevents cold air from leaving your home as quickly.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s crucial to consider the lifestyle of your family and their habits. For instance, those who tend to open their windows and doors will have to use their AC more frequently than households that keep the doors and windows closed. It is also possible to look into tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will make a light humming sound when it is operating. If you notice any other sounds that aren’t, it could be an indication that your unit is malfunctioning.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on can be a result of a variety of issues, but it’s essential to check it out in the earliest time possible to prevent further damage from happening to the unit. The sound could indicate that it’s time to replace your air filter. This is a simple and quick job that doesn’t require the assistance of a professional.
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 dirt or debris that’s stuck inside the unit or by a damaged blade or loose components that can cause the fan to rumble as it spins. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of problems, as they can quickly lead to a broken compressor.
Another common AC issue is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. It could be due to the fact that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape while allowing warm air to get in. This can be caused by cracks and holes in the ducts, which must be repaired immediately.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when the refrigerant is moved from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via an instrument for metering that has a small orifice. Even though the hissing sound is not a major problem it is an ideal idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in the event of. The issue could be costly to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have a brand new or old air conditioner, it’s essential to maintain it. A trained professional will give the unit an general inspection, which will help you identify small issues before they turn into major ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, check 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 the filter, if required.
Uneven temperature in the room or inability to turn on the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that it needs attention. It may also be time to think about a replacement, especially if your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as is possible. This includes changing filters on a regular basis as well as cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and making sure that the unit is free of debris.
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 connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Be sure to use a normal garden hose and not a pressure washer, which could damage the unit’s parts.
Some ac experts offer maintenance agreements that include two-yearly inspections and discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are an excellent option if you do not have the time or knowledge to maintain your equipment on your own, or you want peace of assurance that a technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. This means you don’t need to wait for long to receive an emergency repair for your air conditioning. A good contractor will also provide you with a thorough report of their findings, and offer suggestions for upgrades or repairs.