Is Your AC Unit the Right Size?
by Admin
Posted on 05-08-2023 01:53 PM
If your hvac system is old and inefficient, it may be time to consider replacing it. A new system can save you money on your energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When shopping for a new system, be sure to consult with an hvac technician to find the best unit for your home. Also, check the system’s star rating to ensure that you’re getting the best efficiency possible.
Another reason to go for a new unit is when the current one is not sized correctly, leading to discomfort.
Replacing old and dirty filters is one thing you can do regularly to keep your ac unit running more efficiently. Filters that are clogged with dirt and dust forces your ac and blower to work much harder, which means higher electric bills. If you can locate your filter, simply remove and discard. If you’re not sure what size, check the size on the old filter; the dimensions will be printed on the cardboard frame. Replace the filter at least twice a year, more often if you live in an area that’s especially dusty, windy or prone to heavy pollen.
Accessibility: the hvac technician may charge extra if the ac unit is difficult to access. Ac unit size: hvac unit size is often expressed in either tons or btu, both of which measure how much air the unit can cool. Large units can process more warm air in a shorter time, making it more expensive to repair. Annual maintenance: yearly ac maintenance and tune-up visits cost $100–$200. Brand name vs. Generic parts: most hvac manufacturers make their own replacements for expensive, complex parts such as compressors. Though these are expensive, you may void your warranty if you choose cheaper generic parts instead.
Consider a Whole-House Fan
Central home air conditioner service systems consist of two major components: a condenser that sits outside your house and the evaporator coil (often referred to as an a-coil) that sits in the plenum of your furnace or air handler.
The refrigerant in the a-coil picks up the heat from your home and moves it to the outdoor condensing unit. The condensing unit fan blows outside air through the condensing coil to remove the heat. The condensing unit houses the three parts replaceable by a diyer: the ac contactor, the start/run capacitor(s) and the condenser fan motor. The condensing unit also houses the compressor, but only a pro can replace that.
One of the most common problems with hvac systems is leaks. If you notice strange smells or poor air quality, your hvac system is likely leaking. To check for leaks, first, determine the source of the leak. Is the leak coming from the ducts? the condenser unit? the fan? once you know the source of the leak, start checking it for signs of water damage. If you see any signs of water damage, immediately call a professional to fix the leak. If you don't see any water damage, then the next step is to check the system for other signs of leaks.
Whole-house fans collect hot air from higher areas of the home and convert it a cool yet comfortable breeze. It only takes a few minutes to install these fan systems. Just hang them on top of any door or high-hanging window and start turning heat into a pleasant airflow.
Control Heat Through Windows
Heat gets into houses through windows. It implies that you can control the temperature in your home with open windows.
air conditioner repair can be very expensive when you have to call in a professional. Of course there are times when a costly repair is unavoidable, but you can troubleshoot your system first, before calling in a professional. Many times your problem is something you can easily fix. It’s often the case that your unit is not working for the simplest of reasons. In can be frustrating to pay out a hundred dollars or more just to have a technician come out and flip a breaker back on. There are some quick and easy checks you can perform yourself before you call for help from an air conditioner repair company.
If you have noticed that your energy bill is higher than usual, head outside to manually inspect your air conditioning unit. Is it dirty or covered in debris? even small branches and sticks can make the unit work harder than it needs, leading to a higher energy bill. This is also a good time to check your air vents. Take time to examine the inside of your home, and make sure that no vents are blocked by furniture or rugs. Regularly cleaning the outside of the unit, and maintaining regular check-ups, will save you money and prevent you from having to call a contractor to diagnose problems or provide a deep cleaning.
Debris can build up around your air conditioner over time, particularly if you have an outdoor central unit. Air conditioner unit cleaning is essential for removing leaves, branches, and general dirt that can wreak havoc over time. In addition to cleaning the unit’s exterior, you’ll want to take care of the ducts and coils. Check out this post for some detailed tips on cleaning each of these elements.