Buying a new HVAC system (or getting one installed for the first time) is an investment in your year round comfort. The right system will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, improve the air quality in your home, and add value to your property. But with so many options on the market, choosing a unit can be overwhelming. The good news is if you know what to look for, you can get a reliable system that meets your needs. Here’s what you need to know.
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1. Coil type matters
HVAC coils facilitate heat transfer and each type of coil affects performance differently. For example, the traditional tube-in-fin coils that use copper tubing and aluminum fins are durable and easy to repair, but they require more refrigerant which makes them less efficient.
Microchannel coils, on the other hand, use up to 40% less refrigerant and are far more efficient. They consist of flat aluminum tubes with multiple small channels inside with fins. They can be harder to repair if there’s a leak, but overall, they provide an enormous advantage over traditional coils.
2. Energy efficiency matters
Check the energy efficiency rating for both the cooling and heating part of an HVAC system before making a purchase. Cooling systems are measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and heating systems are measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Higher ratings mean lower energy consumption. Depending on where you live and how often you use your system, the right unit can cut energy consumption by 20-40%.
You’ll likely pay more for a high efficiency system up front, but it will pay for itself over time through reduced energy bills. And if you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, you’ll love having an energy-efficient HVAC system that supports your dedication to sustainability.
3. Proper sizing is critical
A bigger HVAC unit won’t necessarily be better. It will likely just waste the extra cash you could have spent on a higher quality unit. Undersized systems aren’t good, either. It will run constantly and struggle to keep up with your needs. This will put strain on the system and cause it to wear out faster.
Have a pro do an estimate to calculate the right load capacity for your home and choose an HVAC system that matches those calculations.
4. Advanced filtration is a plus
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend 90% of their time indoors in spaces where air quality is worse than it is outdoors. Thankfully, today’s HVAC systems filter your indoor air and some systems come with HEPA or MERV-rated filters to remove dust, allergens, and pollutants. The right filtration system will keep your indoor air quality fresh and clean.
5. Brand reputation says a lot about reliability
When you don’t know where to start looking, research HVAC system brands with the best reputations. Start scouring the internet to find reviews and company profiles. For example, brands like Trane, Carrier, Lennox, and Rheem are consistently ranked high for reliability. But don’t just buy any unit from a reliable brand. Look for strong warranty coverage on compressors and heat exchangers since those parts are expensive to replace.
6. Smart tech makes management easier
Nothing beats turning the heater on from your phone while you’re still in bed. When you buy an HVAC system and install a smart thermostat, you can maximize convenience and efficiency. You can adjust the settings remotely when you’re out of town to keep the pipes warm in winter or just save money when you’re on vacation.
For the ultimate comfort, get a zoning system that allows you to set different temperatures in each room independently. This way, you won’t need to manually close any vents to avoid wasting energy heating and cooling unoccupied rooms.
7. Professional installation is required
Most importantly, remember that even the best HVAC system will underperform and may break if it’s not installed by a licensed professional. Find a licensed technician in your area to install your system to avoid making costly DIY mistakes. Plus, a professional installation will come with a guarantee on their labor and a warranty on the system. Finding a licensed tech in your area will ensure your system is installed to code and optimized for your home’s layout.
Invest in lasting comfort
Buying a new HVAC system is a small investment in your comfort and is worth pursuing. By doing some research and getting a professional recommendation, you’ll ensure the system you choose fits your home and your budget. A carefully selected system will keep you comfortable year round while improving air quality and keeping your energy bills low.
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