What You Need To Know Before Getting a Centralized AC System At Home
HVAC systems have become integral parts of our homes, especially in the unbearably hot summer months. If you’re thinking of installing an HVAC system in your house, you may be overwhelmed with how many options there are on the market. These systems will vary according to their cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and, of course, price. Although it might be tempting to purchase the first centralized AC system you lay your eyes on, there are a few factors that might change your purchasing decision entirely.
Here are the most important factors to keep in mind before you get a central AC unit.
Consider the Size of Your House
A centralized AC won’t be able to effectively cool your house if you choose the wrong size. When choosing your AC system, make sure that the size of the unit is compatible with the size of your house. The wrong unit might not be able to perform effectively in terms of dehumidification. Additionally, a unit with high cooling capacity will turn on and off more frequently. Smaller units, on the other hand, will not cool your house effectively. So it will use more energy, which will cost you more money. There are also other elements that you should factor into the size of your unit, like the temperature in your area, as it can reduce the unit’s capacity.
Choose the Right Technician
The installation process is not an easy one. In order to maximize the longevity and efficiency of your central AC unit, you will have to get a qualified technician to carry out this job for you. The specialists at HVACPrograms.net recommend that you look for a technician with excellent training, education, and certification to ensure that the installation process is carried out properly. This also comes with its set of benefits. For instance, a technician might offer you maintenance plans and will come back to do check-ups on your newly-installed system, should you request it.
Sure, some people prefer to install their HVAC unit on their own, but that is very risky considering that many things can go wrong during the process. Aside from that, doing a DIY job of your HVAC unit installation is a lot of work. It involves heavy lifting, climbing the roof, and pouring concrete, but if you hire a proficient technician, you won’t have to worry about any of this.
High-Quality Filters
Before you purchase an AC unit, be sure to take a quick look at the filters. High-quality filters will last longer and be easy to clean as opposed to using replaceable filters, which will need to be changed at least once every 6 months. This will depend on the weather in your area. For example, if the air is dusty, then you might have to change the ac filter every 3 months. If you think about it, these filters will cost you more money eventually, while high-quality, washable filters won’t add any further costs in the future.
High-quality filters are also important for your health and that of your family’s, as they prevent allergens, debris, dust mites, and other pollutants from entering your house. You can also check the efficiency of your unit’s filter by looking for its MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The MERV rating is a good way to know the type of particles that the filter can block. For example, if your filter has a MERV rating of 9, it can block out most pollutants. An ideal MERV rating ranges between 9-12.
SEER Rating
If you want to know how efficient your central AC system is, you should probably take a look at its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Typically, the higher the SEER rating of your unit, the more effective it is at cooling air in your house, given that your ductwork is in good shape and that the size of the unit is compatible with the size of your house. If not, then this rating won’t really change anything. The standard SEER rating for all HVAC units is 13, but you will also find units with a SEER rating that ranges between 14.5 and 22. A high SEER rating means you’ll get an optimum cooling effect in the summer months. Always make sure to check this rating before you buy any HVAC unit.
Shopping for a new AC unit can be a difficult task, as it will require a lot of research and a good understanding of how the unit works. The installation process, along with the unit itself, is going to cost you quite the amount of money, so be sure to invest in a high-quality, durable unit.
