There are many important things you need to know before installing a new HVAC system. This is regardless of whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned one. It is always a good idea to hire an experienced, professional who also has a good reputation and reviews when choosing a new air conditioning system, heat pump, and/or furnace.
Apart from making modifications to the infrastructure you already have, your HVAC contractor will also be able to assist you with selecting the system that is perfect for your home by considering things such as the characteristics and size of your home, as well as your budget and comfort concerns.
Whether you are wondering if you should repair or replace or install a brand new HVAC system, read what we have here for you, and also speak with one of our specialists before making a decision.
Heating Size, Capacity, and Type
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, make sure you check its heating and cooling capacity. Ask an HVAC technician whether or not the unit is properly sized, meets the minimum requirements, and about its reviews.
The heating capacity of a heating system is measured by British Thermal Unit (BTU). This is the amount energy needed to increase the temperature of water by 1-degree F. The amount of gas burned is measured by the input capacity, while the amount of usable heat generated is measured by output capacity. Please note that losses due to combustion are not taken into account while measuring input capacity. Ask whether the BTU ratings of a system is based on input or output when looking for one to purchase and install. Newer HVAC systems have smaller input BTU rating and higher BTU output. This is because these units are more efficient at generating more heat. Generally, if a system has a higher BTU rating, then it has a greater capacity to generate heat.
Another essential thing that will help you choose the perfect HVAC system for your home is its CFM. CFM or cubic feet per minute is a measure of many cubic feet of air can pass by a certain point per minute.
Luckily, you will not have to do the hard thinking by yourself. Your contractor will choose the right type, capacity, and size of the HVAC system for you. Contractors use complicated measurements for proper sizing of a unit, one example being the ACCA’s Manual J requirements. If the unit is too small, it will be overworked without ever fully serving its purpose, and if it is too big, it will consume waste a lot of energy and money. This means that the HVAC system needs to be just the right size.
Make sure your contractor does not choose a cooling and heating unit for you based on square footage alone. This is wrong. Your contractor should fully inspect the home before recommending the size of unit you should have installed. Also, just because your existing system is of a certain size doesn’t mean that you should just replace it with a similar sized one. Let the technicians visit your home and do a thorough inspection to come up with the size that will meet your current and future heating and cooling needs.
Cooling Size, Capacity, and Type
For an air conditioner, check its capacity before purchasing it. This will help you buy an A/C that is perfect for your home. Unlike heating systems whose capacity is measured in BTU that for air conditioners is measured in Ton. A one ton AC is equal to a 12,000 BTUh (British Thermal Unit Per Hour) heating unit.
Same as with heating units, it is important to choose cooling capacity based on your home’s needs and size. A professional and experienced contractor will help you the right choice on an air conditioning system that will efficiently cool your whole house.
Energy Efficiency
Heating and cooling systems consume a significant amount of power. Data from the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that heating and cooling consumes around half of our home’s energy use.
Therefore, before you purchase a new HVAC system, make sure you check its energy consumption. This will help you in reducing your home’s energy usage, and you will be able to save some money.
The terms Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) are used to measure the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. AFUE is used to measure the heating efficiency of a furnace. For an air conditioner, its energy efficiency is measured using SEER and HSPF measures a heat pump’s heating efficiency. In all HVAC systems, the higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is.
Check Noise Levels
You do not want an HVAC system that is too noisy installed in your home. Choose a system that has noise levels of under 60 db.
Maintenance and Indoor Air Quality
Regular maintenance will ensure that your heating and cooling system works properly and serves you for a long time. Schedule regular maintenance with a certified and experienced HVAC contractor and remember to change your system’s air filter every 30-60 days.
On top of that, inquire about effective ways to improve the air quality if you are experiencing indoor door air quality problems in your home. Some of the solutions to this problem are installing humidification control systems, air purification systems, air filters, and ventilation products.
How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?
Contact a good HVAC company to find out how much a new system will cost. A technician will be sent to your home and provide you with an estimate. The best thing to do is to compare estimates from several companies and inquire about certifications, insurance, warranties, installation guidelines, and more.
There is so much work that will need to be done before your new HVAC unit is installed. For instance, the controls, ventilation, wiring, and ductwork used by the existing unit will need to be worked. Ensure that the HVAC company you choose is experienced to make sure the existing components work in sync with the new HVAC system.