How to Choose a New HVAC System
So your HVAC is getting up there in age. You’ve had to call a technician for repairs way too many times now, and you’re fed up.
Not only do you get hit with a sizable repair bill several times a year, but your energy bills aren’t doing you any favors either. With the next harsh season right around the corner, you don’t even want to think about what your system is going to cost you in the next few months.
So, you’ve decided to buy a brand-new HVAC system. But how do you choose which one is right for your home?
We’re going to walk through all the most important factors when it comes to complete system replacement so we can help you make the right decision.
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New HVAC System Size
One of the most critical factors in buying a new system is making sure it is the appropriate size for your home.
You might think that going all out on the biggest, most efficient system can’t steer you wrong. Well, here’s why it’s not a good idea.
An HVAC system has two primary functions; to cool or heat your home, and help control the humidity.
For the second part, the system needs to run for a while. If your equipment is too large for the square footage of the house, the cycle won’t last long enough to get rid of the moisture in the air.
Also, when the unit does need repairs down the line, you’ll be spending much more than you would if you’d bought an appropriately sized unit.
On the other side of the coin, buying a unit that is too small will run far too long and cost you more money every month on the electric bill, not to mention the additional wear and tear on the unit’s parts.
The seer rating of HVAC equipment is used to determine how energy efficient it is. It is on a scale from 13-25. While a 14 SEER rating might seem low because it is at the lower end of the range, compared to your old unit, it’s probably a massive upgrade.
Just like with the size of a system, the highest SEER rating you can afford is not always the best option. The problem with high SEER rating equipment is it’s incredibly expensive. Depending on your home and your heating and air needs, you might not ever recover the costs on your energy bills.
An honest HVAC sales associate can help guide you through the SEER rating decision process, or you can read more about it here.
SEER Rating
In-Home Factors that Affect the HVAC System Buying Process
When you’re looking at new equipment and trying to get the best bang for your buck, you’ll need to think about some of the specific elements of your home that might influence your decision. For example, if you’ve made improvements to your home- like adding insulation or windows for increased efficiency- you might be able to get away with a smaller system than the one you had before.
Get Professional Help
Talk to a qualified HVAC technician from a reputable contractor to help guide your decision. Of course, you can always give the folks here at Beaufort Heating and Air a call. We’ll send one of our licensed experts to your home to provide you with a free in-home assessment and help you choose the best fit.
