Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
You want an energy-efficient ac unit when you buy one for your home. The higher the SEER, the more energy is saved. This will reduce energy costs and will also extend the lifespan of your unit.
The four main types of air conditioners include: 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. It is important to take your time in selecting the right model. You must make sure that your new air conditioner will fit your home. If it’s not the right size will be too big to cool your home or won’t work 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 different aspects that affect the right size of an AC unit for your house. Some of these factors are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t 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 air conditioner has to manage.
You should also take into consideration the climate of your region and the type of material you used. Some of these materials absorb and reflect heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to consider how well insulated your home is and the number and type of doors and windows. Certain of them are designed to let a lot of heat in and may require you to use a larger AC unit.
It is only by taking into consideration all of these factors that you can make a sound choice about the most suitable AC unit for your home. You can make use of a square footage chart to get a general idea, but the best way to find out what size of AC you require is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by an expert.
Once you’ve got the capacity of your AC system figured out then you can search for a specific model. However, you should note that if you have made changes to your home since the last time you replaced your air conditioner, you will need more tonnage for the new space.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t assume that a bigger capacity is more efficient. A larger unit will cool a house faster but at the cost of more energy costs and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the right size will efficiently cool your home and last longer.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to assess the efficiency of air conditioning units. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the unit is. On the unit, you’ll see a SEER rating or Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower score indicates that the AC is less efficient. AC.
The square footage of your home is one of the main factors that determine the size of your AC. There are a variety of other factors to take into consideration. The amount of windows in your home and their orientation towards the sun could affect the amount of heat transferred to your home. The insulation level of your home will also have an impact. Insulation is crucial because it can stop cold air from leaving your home as fast.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle and habits of your family when choosing an AC unit. People who open their doors and windows wide open will need to use air conditioning more frequently than those who close them. 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. In addition, a newer unit is likely to be more efficient in energy use than an older model.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions well, it will make a slight buzzing sound when running. Any other sounds could indicate issues with your unit that need to be fixed right away for example, an eerie sound or an audible sound after the system is shut off.
A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is on could be the result of many different issues, but it’s essential to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage happening to your unit. For example the sound could be an indication that it’s time to replace your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that won’t require a professional.
If your air conditioner makes a rattling sound when it’s on, it may be due to an obstruction in the fan. It could be due to debris or dirt that’s stuck inside the unit or a damaged blade or a loose component that could cause the fan to rattle when it turns. It is important to inspect the inside of your unit for these types of issues, since they can quickly result in a damaged compressor.
A whining sound is a typical AC issue. It could be that the ducts aren’t properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This can also be caused by cracks or holes in the ducts that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is usually the cause of a hissing noise that is heard from your air conditioning. The hissing sound is caused when refrigerant moves from the high-pressure part of the system to low-pressure side via a metering device with a small orifice. Although the sound of hissing is not a big deal however, it is advisable to have it examined by an HVAC technician just in case. It’s expensive to correct this issue so don’t overlook it.
Maintenance
No matter if you have 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 grow into larger ones. They will test your unit’s voltage, clean and examine the ductwork, coils and vents. They will also check the refrigerant level, and clean the drain pipe. They will also lubricate the blower motor as well as the thermostat and replace the filter if needed.
Uneven temperature in the room and inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all signs that it requires attention. It might be time to consider an upgrade, especially when your energy bills are increasing.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and help you save money over the course of time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. This means replacing filters frequently cleaning and wiping the unit down outside, and keeping the unit free of dirt.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit. You should also keep the area clear of leaves, twigs, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also hose down the fins and coils of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure-washer that could damage the components of the unit.
Some AC specialists provide maintenance contracts that include two-yearly inspections and reduced 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’d like to have peace of mind knowing that a qualified technician is monitoring your system. Additionally, many contractors provide priority service to contract customers whenever a problem occurs. This means that you won’t have to wait long for an emergency repair call for your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will give you a comprehensive report of their findings, and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades.