Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home you need one that is energy efficient. The more efficient the SEER the better energy is saved. This will save you money on energy costs as well as extend the lifespan of your unit.
There are four main kinds of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps and ductless systems.
Size
The size of your AC unit can have a major impact on the amount of energy you use. It is essential to be patient when selecting the best unit. You need to ensure that the new air conditioner will fit your home. A unit that isn’t the right size will be too big to cool your home, or won’t work in any way. This will cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor will help you determine the best size unit for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Certain of these aspects are obvious, like the square footage. Other factors are not as obvious, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. These items produce a lot heat, which your air conditioner must handle.
It is also important to consider the climate of your area and the type of material you employed. Some of these materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. Also, you should consider whether your home is insulated and the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed to let a lot heat in and might require that you use a bigger AC unit.
It is only after taking into account all of these factors that you can make a sound decision on the best AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage can give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator that is performed by a professional is the best way to determine what size AC unit you need.
Once you know the capacity of your AC identified then you can search for a specific model. But, it is important to note that if there have been modifications to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new area.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for an AC unit, don’t assume that more tonnage is more efficient. A larger unit can cool a house faster but at the cost of increased energy bills 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 lifespan.
Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. You’ll also see an SEER rating, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower rating means a less efficient AC.
The area of your home is one of the most important factors in determining the size of your AC. There are also other factors to consider. The number of windows in your home and the orientation of them towards the sun can impact the amount of heat transferred to your home. The level of insulation in your home will also have an impact. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from leaving at the same speed.
It’s also important to take into consideration the habits of your family and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who keep them closed. You can also look into tax credits for energy-efficient models. These discounts can drastically reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer model will be more efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
When your air conditioner is working properly, it should produce a light humming noise when it’s running. Other sounds could indicate problems with your unit that require to be addressed right away, such as the sound of a buzzing or a banging sound after the system is shut off.
The sound that is heard when your air conditioner runs could be the result of different problems. It is essential to have it checked promptly in order to avoid any further damage to your 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 when your air conditioner emits a an eerie sound when it’s running. It could be due dirt or debris stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose component could also cause the fan’s rotation to rumble. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these kinds of problems, as they could result in a damaged compressor.
Another common AC problem is when it starts producing a whining sound when it’s running. This can be because the ducts aren’t sealed properly which allows cold air to escape from them and warm air to enter. This could also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be repaired as soon as is possible.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s because of a leak in the refrigerant. The hissing noise occurs when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure side of the system to the low-pressure side via a metering device with a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing isn’t an issue however, it is advisable to have it looked at by an HVAC technician just in case. It can be costly to fix this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
If you own a brand new or used air conditioner, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance. A trained professional can give the unit a thorough inspection. This will help you spot small issues before they grow into larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven room temperature and inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all signs that it needs attention. It could be time to replace your system, especially if you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC unit will last longer than one that’s neglected and will save you a lot of money on your utility bills over the years. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance tasks like changing the filters regularly as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it clear of dirt will allow you to get the most years out of your ac unit.
It’s important to keep the space around the unit free of obstructions like leaves, twigs, and cobwebs that can hinder airflow. You can also wash the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Make sure you use a standard 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 reduced prices on parts and accessories. They are a great choice when you do not have time to maintain your own equipment, or if you’d like to have the peace of mind of knowing that a trained technician is watching your system. Many contractors also give priority service to contract customers whenever a problem arises. You won’t need to wait long for an air conditioner emergency repair. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.