How to Choose a Suitable HVAC System
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round, nothing is more critical than picking out the right heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This choice impacts your daily comfort, monthly utility expenditures and general home efficiency. However, with so many system types, sizes and efficiency ratings, finding the perfect fit can be confusing. This guide makes the choice easier by walking you through the key factors to give consideration to when selecting an HVAC system.
Different Varieties of HVAC Systems
First—carefully consider your climate, the size of your home and your personal comfort needs to help determine what type of HVAC unit you will need. Here’s a glance at a couple of the most popular systems.
Conventional Furnace and Air Conditioner Combination
The most popular choice in the U.S. is to use a forced-air furnace and air conditioner in a combined system. Air flows in through return ducts, conditioned (heated or cooled) and then delivered via supply ducts. Furnaces might use natural gas, electricity, oil or propane, offering flexibility depending on your local resources. However, air conditioners usually run on electricity.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide a more efficient heating option than electric furnaces, making them particularly popular in homes where electricity is the major or exclusive energy source. These systems run in a similar manner to air conditioners but can also reverse their operation to provide heating. If you reside in an area with hot summers and mild winters, a heat pump could be excellent. Cold-climate styles are also available for efficient operation in harsher weather.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits are a type of air-source heat pump. They provide heating and cooling without the need for ductwork. These types of heat pump are perfect for heating and cooling particular rooms, including home offices or additions. Numerous indoor units can also hook up to a lone outdoor unit for whole-house comfort when desired.
Packaged Systems
Packaged systems are an all-in-one solution where every aspect of the system is located in a single unit, usually installed outside. These are very good for smaller homes or specific spaces that need independent temperature control.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Renowned for their environmental friendliness and efficiency, geothermal heat pumps, also called ground-source heat pumps, are a state of the art option. Similar to their air-source counterparts, they use electricity and refrigerant to deliver heat. But, they exchange heat with the ground, which maintains a pretty consistent temperature all year, offering unparalleled efficiency. Installation includes setting up an underground loop system, which involves some consideration of local zoning and environmental guidelines.
Select a Size
Incorrect sizing is a common mistake when selecting an HVAC system. Too large of a unit will cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear. Having said that, an undersized system may not be able to provide a comfortable temperature on the hottest and coldest days. To pick the right size, work with an HVAC professional like the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We can evaluate your home’s features, layout and climate to locate a system that meets your home and household’s needs.
Analyze Energy Ratings
Energy efficiency is fundamental for several reasons—it affects your monthly energy bills, carbon footprint and regulatory compliance. The government has developed minimum HVAC efficiency ratings, but installing a system that goes beyond the minimums can increase your savings and reduce your environmental impact. Look for air conditioners with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and furnaces with high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE).
Set Your Budget
Balancing the start-up cost with long-term efficiency and other benefits is fundamental when setting a budget for purchase of HVAC equipment for your home. While a more efficient system has a more expensive up-front cost, it can supply major energy savings and improved comfort for years, making an extremely efficient model a potentially worthwhile purchase in the long run. That’s why it’s crucial to consider the overall cost of ownership when budgeting for your new HVAC unit. A pro from a trusted company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can run the numbers to help you make an educated decision.
Think About Installation and Maintenance
The performance and number of years provided by your HVAC system heavily depends on professional installation and regular maintenance. A correctly installed system will work more efficiently and have a longer service life. Additionally, replacing the filter, monitoring the unit for leaks and other maintenance tasks are essential for maximum performance. Always work with a skilled professional who recognizes the needs of different HVAC systems.
Make Indoor Air Quality a Priority
A good HVAC system does more than manage the temperature; it also provides healthy indoor air quality. Options like built-in air purifiers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, which can significantly improve the air you breathe. These features are especially beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Heating & Air Conditioning in the U.S.
When you’re ready to increase your home’s comfort and efficiency, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help choosing and installing a new HVAC system. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort needs. We support our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can trust us to make a meaningful difference in your comfort and well-being. For a system created to meet your home and family’s specific needs in the U.S., contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today by calling 866-397-3787!
