When the home’s existing heating and cooling equipment is in need of replacement, homeowners need to know how to choose an HVAC system to buy. There are so many factors to consider, as there are multiple types of HVAC systems to choose from, such as heat pumps, air conditioners, ductless mini-split systems, furnaces, and boilers. Different brands offer certain options and advanced components, better SEER and AFUE ratings offer more efficient performance to help you save money – choosing the right heating or cooling system can seem impossible with so many choices!
As trusted Cincinnati heating and air conditioning contractors, Thomas & Galbraith is here to help you along the way. We know that the right central air conditioning unit, furnace, or heat pump system for your home installation is different in every house. Here you’ll find the important factors we evaluate as we assist you in selecting the right HVAC system that fits your needs.
The new HVAC system that fits your neighbor’s home perfectly is not necessarily going to be the right choice for your house, too. Boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split models can fit the needs of different houses and climate situations. A home may be compatible with one or many types of HVAC systems.
Before you can compare different air conditioner and heating unit models, you need to first select the type of HVAC system you wish to purchase for installation in your home.
The size of the HVAC system you choose impacts cost in various ways. Higher capacity units cost more upfront to purchase. Energy costs are higher when a unit isn’t sized correctly for a house.
Size for a heating and cooling system air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace, isn’t talking about the dimensions of the unit or the square footage of your living space – here, size means heating or cooling capacity, which is the unit’s ability to add or remove heat for heated air or cool air.
The best way to find the right size for your new HVAC system is to call your trusted local HVAC company. A local HVAC contractor will visit your home, take the correct measurements, and perform the correct calculations to determine the home’s heat or cooling load in order to find the right size for a new air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace.
If you search for HVAC system sizing online, you’ll find plenty of free calculators. Beware that these free options will not give you an accurate size for your new HVAC system. Online calculators typically ask for the square footage of the house and rarely any other details. When contractors perform these calculations the right way, they incorporate many different aspects of your home in addition to floor space.
Working with a local contractor or HVAC company is the right way to size HVAC systems for any home. Call to schedule a time for your contractor to visit the home and size a new air conditioner or heating unit.
You’re going to encounter a lot of options as you look for a new furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, or ductless mini split for your home. The options can seem endless and overwhelming, especially if you don’t understand which components have the greatest impact on energy-efficient operation, utility costs, indoor air quality, maintenance requirements, and indoor climate control. Below, find the top factors to evaluate on any HVAC system in the running for purchase and installation in your home.
Air conditioning units and heat pumps run using electricity, which means their SEER ratings aren’t going to be impacted by fuel sources. Heating systems however can use a few different types of fuel – natural gas, propane, heating oil, and electricity. Natural gas and propane offer more energy-efficient heating versus oil or electricity.
You’re limited by what types of energy you have access to in your home, whether they are already installed or you have the option to do so. Adding the equipment to convert between one heating fuel source and another can add costs to your installation project, but is worth it to many homeowners who make these upgrades in order to convert to more energy-efficient fuels.
Energy-efficient operation in HVAC systems is displayed using a few key acronyms:
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio SEER, HSPF, or annual fuel utilization efficiency AFUE of an HVAC system will impact cost. Generally, a high-efficiency model costs more than a basic efficiency system. Though it costs more upfront to buy a high-efficiency model, they generally cost less to operate because they produce less waste. More of the consumed energy is used in creating cool or heated air for the home.
Brand selection is often a personal choice for a homeowner. There are multiple HVAC equipment brands producing reliable systems, and often a homeowner forms their own opinions on what is quality and what is reliable based on past experiences. As you search for HVAC systems that can be installed in your home, call your contractor to ask what brand or brands they install. Some contractors are limited to just one brand while others may be able to install and service any equipment brand you would like for your home.
Typically, each brand has comparable units, especially amongst the most basic heating and cooling unit choices. When you move into high-efficiency systems, each brand may use different components or technologies to deliver more energy-efficient performance and a better user experience. Warranty coverage also varies by the brand, so be sure to compare warranty terms.
Generally, all air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless systems will require annual maintenance. These professional services are also typically required to uphold the terms of your system’s brand warranty. To maintain heating systems, it’s recommended that you schedule tune-up services in the fall; for your cooling system, schedule tune-up services in the spring.
Beyond the professional maintenance requirements of your new system, there will be tasks you need to complete throughout the year to maintain your unit. These tasks are fairly similar across the board for any new HVAC system.
Any new central air or heating system you consider will include features and components that improve HVAC performance, save you money, and overall work to create the indoor climate experience you would like. As you search for the right HVAC system, some features you may want to look for include:
Thomas & Galbraith is your Cincinnati area HVAC service company for all your new HVAC system needs. Our experts will help you select the right equipment for your project and provide the quality installation service needed to ensure your new HVAC system runs at its best. Contact us today to start exploring your HVAC options.