Looking to invest in a good HVAC system but don’t know where to start? An HVAC system is the heart and soul of a house and can make the seasons a lot more bearable. However, if you don’t select the right one, you may end up needing repairs or spending much more money on energy bills than originally anticipated.
Understanding your priorities and unique needs can make finding the best system for you a lot easier. Having trouble drafting a criteria list?
Here are some of the most important things to think about when purchasing an HVAC system.
Home Size
When beginning a search for an HVAC system, home size is the first thing you should factor in. Though many smaller units could be adequately cooled with portable AC units, the truth of the matter is that a well-functioning HVAC system will usually be cheaper in the long run, and remain more effective for longer. For a larger home, you want to make sure the system is large enough to cover the square footage, but not so large that it works harder than it needs to.
Too much heating capacity can cause a system to toggle off and on, causing it to run at a reduced rate – which can be detrimental over time. For a small home, you may be able to opt for a smaller HVAC system. No matter what you end up deciding, the size of your home should always be factored into your judgment.
Temperature Preferences
How cold or hot you like to keep your living environment will dictate which kind of HVAC system you should invest in for your home. Daily temperature preferences can highlight the advantages of purchasing one system over another. Specifically, if you are someone who prefers temperatures to be exact at certain times of the day or night, having an easily adjustable digital thermostat is a must.
Looking to keep your home’s internal temperature stable and hot during a cold night? Equipping your home with an HVAC system that can be programmed and regulated easily will help ensure all of your temperature preferences and needs are met. Additionally, you’ll want to choose an easily serviced furnace and air conditioner model so that lack of maintenance doesn’t negatively impact HVAC function.
Energy Efficiency
While the initial search can be challenging, there are many HVAC options on the market that provide excellent energy efficiency. By searching for units with a top EER, or energy efficiency rating, you can ensure that all heat and cooling is being created and dispersed in the least wasteful way possible.
Another great way to maximize energy efficiency is to invest in home automation. Also known as domotics to specialty companies such as Superior Heating & Cooling, this is a fantastic and sophisticated way to ensure you are only using your heating and cooling systems exactly when you need them. Such automation allows for external control of your home’s HVAC systems. This can include using an app to control your thermostat remotely, putting heating and cooling controls on a scheduled timer, and many other energy-efficient perks. Not only will these save on both money and energy, but they can generally streamline temperature regulation and daily planning for household tasks.
Location
Though you may not think it, your home’s location should play a large role in choosing the right HVAC system for your needs. Similar to an EER, HVAC systems also have SEER ratings, referring to their effectiveness and efficiency on a seasonal basis. When combined with things like a heat seasonal performance factor, these will indicate how well a system will do in different seasons or climates.
Chances are if you live in an extremely cold climate you will need to budget more to spend on purchasing and installing a highly seasonally efficient system. In hot climates, the system should also keep cold air in and circulating without significant wear or overuse.
Whether it is your individual use, energy efficiency requirements, or particular location and specific seasonal needs, there is a lot to think about when it comes to HVAC. Selecting a lasting system that meets your needs and saves you money can be tricky, however, the effort is well worth it. HVAC is a big investment, but it will keep you and your loved ones comfortable for years to come, without having to worry about you forking up money again soon to have it replaced or repaired.
