Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient
When you are looking to purchase an air conditioner for your home, you want one that is energy efficient. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy it can save. This will reduce energy bills and also prolong 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 the amount you spend on energy costs. It is essential to be patient when selecting the best unit. You must ensure that the new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. An incorrectly sized unit is either working too hard to keep your home cool or won’t be able to complete the task effectively, which could cost you money. A professional HVAC contractor can help you determine the right size unit for your house.
There are many variables that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of them are obvious, such as the square footage. Other aspects aren’t as intuitive, such as the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot heat that your AC has to handle.
It is also important to consider the climate in your area and the type of building materials you have used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can affect the size of your air conditioning unit. It is also important to think about how well your home is insulated and the number of windows and doors you have. Some of these are designed for letting a lot heat in and might require that you use more of an AC unit.
Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only way to make an accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. You can use a square footage chart to get a rough idea but the best way to find out what size of AC you need is to have a Manual J load calculation performed by a professional.
Once you know the tonnage of your AC determined and you are able to shop for a specific model. You may need to increase the capacity of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your house since you last replaced it.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an AC unit, don’t believe that more tonnage is more efficient. A bigger unit will cool your home faster, but at the cost of increased energy bills and wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit that’s the right size will efficiently cool your home and run for a longer time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to rate air conditioning units. The higher the rating the more efficient it is. On the unit, you’ll see the SEER rating, also known as the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A lower SEER rating means a less efficient AC.
The size of your AC is determined largely by the area of your house. However there are other elements that play a role in the same way. The amount of windows in your home, as well as their orientation towards the sun can affect the amount of heat that is 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 as quickly.
When selecting an AC unit, it’s important to take into account the lifestyle of your family and their habits. For example, people who often open windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than a family that keeps them shut. It’s also a good idea to explore tax credits that might be available for energy-efficient models. These discounts can reduce the cost of purchasing a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy-efficient than a unit that is older.
Noise
If your air conditioner functions properly, it will produce a sound that hums when it’s operating. Any other sounds could signal problems with your unit that need to be addressed right away like a buzzing sound or even a banging sound after the system shuts off.
A buzzing sound when your air conditioner is running can be caused by many different issues, but it’s important to have it checked promptly to prevent further damage from happening to the unit. The sound could be a sign it’s time to replace your air filter. It’s a simple and quick task that doesn’t require the assistance of an expert.
It’s possible that the fan is blocked if your air conditioner makes a rattling noise when it’s turned on. It could be due to dirt or debris stuck inside the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can cause the fan’s movement to rattle. Examine the inside of the unit to determine whether you have any of these problems. They can quickly result in a malfunctioning compressor.
A whining sound is a typical AC problem. It could be because the ducts aren’t properly sealed which allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter. This could be due to cracks and holes in ducts, which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A refrigerant leak is typically the cause of a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner. The hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant flows from the high pressure side of the system to the lower pressure side, via a metering device that has a tiny orifice. While the hissing sound is not a big deal but it’s a good idea to have it checked by an HVAC technician in case of. It can be costly to correct this issue, so don’t ignore it.
Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your air conditioner, no matter if it is new or old. A trained professional will conduct an overall inspection, and this will help you identify small problems before they become larger ones. They will check the voltage of your unit, examine and clean the ductwork, coils and vents, verify the proper refrigerant levels and clean the drain line. They will also grease your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter as needed.
Uneven temperatures in the room or a failure to start or hear a loud and squeaky noise are all indications that the system is in need of attention. It might be the time to upgrade your system, especially in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy costs.
A well-maintained AC will last longer and will save you money over the course of time. Maintaining your unit will ensure it lasts as long as possible. This includes replacing filters on a regular basis as well as cleaning and wiping it down outside, and keeping it free of any debris.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s advisable to trim the foliage around the unit and keep the area free of twigs, leaves, cobwebs and other debris that could impede the airflow. You can also connect the fins and coils to keep the unit clean. Use a garden hose, not a pressure washer which could cause damage to the components of the unit.
Certain AC specialists now offer maintenance agreements that give customers regular maintenance checks twice a year and lower prices on accessories and parts. They are a great choice if you do not have the time to maintain your own equipment, or if you want the peace of mind of knowing that a certified technician is watching your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to contract customers when a problem occurs. This means you don’t have to wait long for an emergency repair in the case of your air conditioning. A reputable contractor will provide an in-depth report on their findings, and make suggestions for repairs or upgrades.
