6 Factors to Consider When Buying a New HVAC System

HVAC systems cool or warm your home to create a comfortable environment. However, the efficiency of your selected system depends on various factors. Consider the following factors when buying your new HVAC system.

1. Consider the Efficiency Ratings

You have many ways to measure the efficiency of an HVAC unit, but the most common is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A unit with a high SEER rating is more energy-efficient than a unit with a low SEER rating. The federal government regularly sets minimum SEER rating requirements to increase energy efficiency.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is another common way to measure the heating efficiency of your furnace. The AFUE rating is a measurement of the percentage of energy that your HVAC unit converts to heat. Highly-efficient units can convert most of the energy into heat and reduce utility costs.

The other way to measure the energy efficiency of your HVAC unit is to use the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating. This rating is a measurement of how well your pump generates heat. You can also check if the unit has an Energy Star certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

2. Choose the Correct Size

An undersized or oversized HVAC unit can reduce the comfort of your home and increase energy bills. An oversized unit will produce excessive warm or cool air and consume too much energy to provide conditioned air for a small room. Therefore, an oversized unit will increase your energy bills without providing constant comfort. The unit will also frequently stop and start, increasing the rate of wear and tear.

On the other hand, an undersized HVAC system will have insufficient cooling and heating capacity. The result will be uneven temperature throughout the building. The system will also experience wear and tear quickly, as it has to strain to meet the high demand.

3. Understand Local Climate

Different HVAC units perform differently in different climatic environments. Generally, a heating system is more useful in cold climates, while a cooling system is beneficial in warm climates. Various units also have climate control features that provide multiple options. If you rarely use the climate control feature, choose an affordable HVAC unit with fewer options. On the other hand, if climate greatly impacts your lifestyle and home comfort, a high-end HVAC unit with climate controls is essential.

Also, determine whether the HVAC vents terminate inside or outside the house. If the vents terminate outside, you might have to seal them to prevent heat loss in cold environments. Installing storm screens on all windows and doors can also help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, regardless of fluctuating outdoor weather conditions.

4. Determine Your Budget

Many people often assume that expensive HVAC systems are better than less expensive units, but this is not always true. If you don't compare the prices of multiple HVAC brands, you might pay too much for the wrong HVAC unit. The most important thing is to select an HVAC unit that has the features that you require.

5. Consider the Installation and Maintenance Requirements

Different HVAC systems have different maintenance and installation requirements. The best strategy is to select a unit that has an easy installation process and doesn't require frequent maintenance. Such a unit will reduce your installation and maintenance expenses.

6. Check Compatibility With a Programmable Thermostat 

The HVAC system must allow for programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats enable you to control the temperature and functionality of the HVAC system from anywhere. The system can also automatically turn off or reduce usage to avoid wasting energy. Ultimately, a programmable thermostat increases the lifespan of your HVAC unit and lowers energy bills.

Once you've selected your preferred unit, STA SO COOL HVAC will help you to install the system in your home. We can also maintain and repair your air conditioner whenever necessary. Feel free to reach out to us today for more information.