How To Make Sure You Make A Good Decision When Getting A HVAC System

Table of Contents

1. Types of HVAC Systems
2. Air Quality and Temperature Control
3. Tweakable Units
4. Capacity and Maintenance
5. The Efficiency of the Unit
6. The Costs Involved
7. Indoor Air Quality
8. Provided Warranty
9. Checking the Refrigerant

Purchasing an HVAC system for your home is a big investment. You need to consider many things like type, efficiency, size, energy rating, and much more to make the right choice. Whether you are buying an HVAC system for your home or want to replace an old unit, here are some simple yet effective tips that will assist you in picking the right system and make your search a lot easier.

Types of HVAC Systems

Ductless systems, hybrid systems, split systems, and packaged heating systems are the 4 different types available. Ductless systems use a heat pump and an outside air conditioner for cooling and heating purposes. Packaged systems are mostly installed outdoors and provide both cooling and heating in one unit. As the name suggests, the split system is composed of 2 different units, one for heating and one for cooling. These systems are the most common type used in households. Lastly, hybrid systems are more energy-efficient than split systems in mechanism systems.

Now that we have briefly discussed the different types, these are some of the factors that you need to consider when purchasing an HVAC system:

Air Quality and Temperature Control

Start dedicating time to researching how various types and features of the HVAC system will affect your indoor air quality and temperature. You can use many features and add-ons to improve the air quality, better control indoor temperature, and decrease energy consumption. Let’s say the air quality of your household has a low EPA score, adding a UV light to the HVAC system can drastically improve the air quality. Never purchase a system with a low EPA score, as it can increase respiratory issues.

Tweakable Units

Check whether the HVAC unit you are buying allows add-ons like UV lights, dehumidifiers, carbon monoxide alarms, ventilators, and smart thermostats. Each add-on has a specific feature, providing better outcomes when it comes to air quality, efficiency, and temperature control. A programmable thermostat is an excellent choice for an add-on as it allows you to control the indoor temperatures from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet. These smart thermostats allow efficient temperature control and drastically reduce energy consumption by turning the system off when not in use.

Capacity and Maintenance

The HVAC system you choose should be effective enough to cool or heat your household indoors. A unit with a higher capacity is required for fairly spacious indoors and vice versa. The capacity is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. HVAC systems with a higher BTU rating have greater capacity.

Almost every HVAC system requires on-time maintenance to perform effectively. Failing to maintain the unit will not only decrease its efficiency but will also cause damage to the components. Finding a reliable HVAC contractor plays a pivotal role in the unit’s maintenance. When negotiating the installation of the HVAC unit with the contractor, make sure you choose a service plan that includes inspections, maintenance, and repair facilities.

The Efficiency of the Unit

Over time, HVAC systems have become energy-efficient and improved by many folds in terms of performance. A rating system called the SEER rating is used to rate the efficiency of the HVAC system. An efficient rating for an HVAC unit is 15 or above. Higher SEER ratings mean higher efficiency. Several other ratings like HSPF, EER, and AFEU are also used to rate energy efficiency.

The Costs Involved

The goal of installing the HVAC system is to control indoor temperatures efficiently. Even if the unit costs more than expected, always choose a system that has the right size, capacity, energy rating, and efficiency to fulfill your indoor air conditioning and heating requirements. Purchasing a cheaper HVAC system does not mean it will produce effective results. On top of that, you might have to pay more when it comes to the repair and maintenance of these units. The average cost of the HVAC system will solely depend on the brand you are purchasing, your indoor space, and the installation cost charged by the installation services. The type of HVAC system you choose also influences the costs.

Indoor Air Quality

Older HVAC systems are not that efficient in providing better air quality than newer models. Due to increasing air pollution in cities, choosing a unit capable of providing better air quality is best. Similar to add-ons, these systems have built-in air quality control components. Highly efficient air-filtration systems, UV lights, and humidifiers are some of the air quality control components used in HVAC systems.

Provided Warranty

Dedicate some time to comparing the warranties of different manufacturers and contractors so you can choose a suitable option. A reliable warranty is crucial as you don’t want to scramble around when a malfunction or component breakdown occurs. However, certain components of the HVAC unit will not be covered in the standard warranty.

Checking the Refrigerant

Some HVAC systems use refrigerants that have a poor EPA rating. Always ensure the system you purchase is up to the required standards and is environment-friendly. Suppose you are purchasing a used HVAC system or have bought a property with a system already installed. In that case, it is imperative to check the refrigerant type, as the refrigerants used in earlier models are now banned. A popular example is an R-22 refrigerant that is completely banned for production due to an extremely poor EPA. Another thing to look for in a used HVAC system is its ductwork. Closely inspect the ductwork for any signs of damage or leaks to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the system.

Purchasing an HVAC system becomes easier when you already know your requirements. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to put in some extra legwork and compare different brands, their features, costs, and the factors we shared above. We hope the information we shared assists you in choosing the right HVAC system to fulfill your household air conditioning and heating needs.

Thank you for reading!