Purchasing an AC Unit For House That Is Energy Efficient

You’ll want a more efficient ac unit when you purchase one for your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy it will save. This will help you save money on energy costs and extend the life of your unit.

There are four main types of air conditioning systems: window units (central AC), heat pumps, ductless systems and heat.

Size

The size of the size of your AC unit will have a significant impact on how much energy you consume. It is important to be patient when choosing the right unit. It is essential to make sure that your new air conditioner is appropriate for your home. A unit that is not the right size will either be too large to cool your home or won’t work at all. This will cost you money. A qualified HVAC contractor can assist you in determining the right size unit for your home.

There are a variety of factors that determine the size of your AC unit. Some of these are obvious, such as square footage. Other aspects aren’t so evident, like the amount of technology that generates heat or appliances in your home. This is because these appliances produce a lot of heat that your AC must manage.

It is also important to consider the climate in your area, as well as the kind of building materials you’ve used. Certain materials reflect and absorb heat differently, which can impact the size of your air conditioning unit. You also need to consider how well your home is insulated, as well as the number of doors and windows you have. Some are designed to let lots of heat into the house and will require more of an AC unit.

Incorporating all of these aspects in consideration is the only way to make a truly accurate decision regarding the right AC unit for your home. A chart of square footage will give you a general idea. However, a Manual J load calculator conducted by an expert is the most effective method of determining the size AC unit you require.

Once you know the capacity of your AC determined and you are able to shop for a model that is more specific. You may need to increase the tonnage of your air conditioner if you’ve made some changes to your home since you last replaced it.

Energy Efficiency

Don’t assume more tonnage means better when you are shopping for an AC unit. A larger unit can chill a home faster, but at the cost of increased energy bills and premature wear. A properly maintained AC unit of the proper size can cool your home efficiently and last longer.

Air conditioning units are rated according to their BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. There’s also a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on the unit. A lower score means less efficient AC.

The size of your AC unit is mostly determined by the area of your house. There are other aspects to consider. For instance, the number of windows as well as their orientation to the sun will affect how much heat is transferred into your home. The level of insulation in your home can also impact heat transfer. Insulation is important because it stops cold air from venting as quickly.

It’s also important to think about your family’s habits and lifestyle when selecting an AC unit. For instance, those who often open windows and doors will need to use their AC more often than a household that keeps them shut. You may also consider tax credits for models that are energy efficient. These discounts can help lower the price of a new air conditioner. A newer unit will also be more energy efficient than an older unit.

Noise

When your air conditioner is functioning properly, it should make a slight humming sound when it’s operating. If you hear any other sounds this could be a sign your unit is malfunctioning.

A sound that is loud when your air conditioner is running can be caused by various problems, but it’s crucial to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage happening to the unit. For instance, the sound can be an indication that it’s time for a change in your air filter, which is an easy and quick task that doesn’t require a specialist.

If your air conditioner is making a rattling sound when it’s turned on, it could be due to an obstruction within the fan. It could be due debris or dirt getting stuck in the unit. A damaged blade or loose components can also cause the fan’s rotor to rumble. It’s crucial to examine the inside of your unit for these types of issues, as they could cause a compressor to fail.

Another common AC issue is when it starts producing whining noise when running. It could be that the ducts are not properly sealed. This allows cold air to escape and warm air to get in. This could be due to cracks and holes in the ducts that need to be repaired immediately.

If you hear a hissing sound emanating from your air conditioner, it’s due to a refrigerant leak. The hissing sound occurs when refrigerant is transferred from the high-pressure part of the system to the low-pressure side through a metering system that has a tiny orifice. Even though the hissing noise is not a major problem it is a good idea to get an HVAC technician look into it just in case. This problem can be expensive to repair, so it’s best not to ignore it.

Maintenance

It is important to keep your air conditioner, whether it’s new or old. A trained professional will give the unit an overall inspection, and this can help you find minor issues before they grow into larger ones. They will test the voltage of your unit, inspect and clean the coils, ductwork and vents, check for proper refrigerant levels and clear the drain line. They will also lubricate your blower motor, thermostat and replace the filter if needed.

Uneven room temperature, inability to start the system, or making noisy and squeaky sounds are all indications that the system requires attention. It’s probably the time to upgrade your system, especially in the event that you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills.

A well-maintained AC unit will last much longer than one that is neglected, and you’ll save many dollars on your utility bills over the course of time. Keeping up with maintenance tasks such as replacing filters frequently as well as washing and wiping the unit outside and keeping it free of dirt will ensure that you get the most years of use from your air conditioning unit.

It is essential to keep the space around the unit free of debris like leaves, twigs, and cobwebs, which could hinder airflow. You can also hose down the coils and fins of the outdoor unit to keep it clean. Make sure you use a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer that could cause damage to the unit’s components.

Certain AC experts offer maintenance contracts which include inspections twice a year, and discounted prices on parts and accessories. These are a great option when you don’t have the time or skills to maintain your equipment or if you want peace of mind knowing that a technician is in charge of your system. A lot of contractors offer priority service to customers who contract with them when there is a problem. You won’t have to wait too long for an air conditioning emergency repair. A reputable contractor will provide you with an in-depth analysis of their findings, and make recommendations for upgrades or repairs.