HVAC refers to technology that allows for regulation of a home’s atmosphere. HVAC is an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC systems enable occupants to have proper control over the heating and cooling temperatures of a space. They are also commonly known by the names of some common components: ductless AC units, boilers, central air conditioners, heat pumps or furnaces.
There are four main types of HVAC systems: Split systems, hybrid systems, ductless systems and packaged heating and air systems. You should choose what’s most suitable for your home and budget.
You should always consider how various heating and cooling units will influence your indoor temperature, energy consumption and air quality. For example, did you know that choosing elements such as UV light in your HVAC system can increase your EPA indoor air quality score? A little inquiry will help you tackle airborne particle content and identify the best HVAC unit for reducing humidity.
HVAC systems have improved over the years. As a result, there are rating systems that determine their efficiency. Take a look at the system ratings, such as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), HSPF, AFUE and EER. For example, the SEER rating should be at least 15.
Your new HVAC system should be able to heat and cool the space in your home effectively. The capacity of an HVAC system is measured by BTUs (British Thermal Units). Generally, the higher the BTU rating, the greater the capacity.
Ensure that the system you buy is compatible with a modern, programmable thermostat. This allows you to control your heating and cooling from virtually anywhere. In addition, you’ll be able to save money on your energy bills by turning the systems on or off when you are not using them. It will also prolong the life of your HVAC system. Some units can be controlled via a wire to other parts of a house, while the most modern can be controlled via smartphone from anywhere the phone receives service.
HVAC systems need regular maintenance for optimal performance, so buy a low-maintenance, cost-effective system. When you negotiate your installation, you should also negotiate a service plan that combines regular inspections with discounts on repairs and a labor warranty into the overall price.
Depending on the type and where it is installed, an HVAC system can be pretty noisy. Ensure the unit you choose is a good fit for your home and your noise tolerance levels.
When choosing the right HVAC system, your goal should be to provide a comfortable temperature for your home, even if it’s more expensive than others. While you should buy an HVAC unit according to your budget, consider other factors as well, such as energy efficiency and durability.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best quality and rarely will be the most efficient—remember too that the money saved in energy and repair costs, by purchasing the correct size and a better quality unit, should weigh into any buying decision.
Be sure to purchase the right size system for your home. Older homes may not have the correct size system. Oversized equipment cycles too frequently, shortening its life. Also, it won’t provide the same level of comfort and indoor air quality as a correctly sized system.
Your contractor or HVAC technician should tell you what size system your home needs, as the calculations required often involve a multitude of factors including tree coverage, sun exposure and insulation in addition to square-footage and ceiling height.
Buy the highest efficiency HVAC equipment you can afford that will work with your home. Even though a standard-efficiency system and a high-efficiency system might have the same labor component, the high efficiency will prove more cost-effective in the long run.
Choosing the best HVAC contractor is a very crucial factor affecting the quality of the system. An HVAC system must be designed, customized and fabricated for each home. A good HVAC contractor will evaluate your entire system, including ductwork and indoor air quality requirements. They will cater to your individual needs and make recommendations that will best suit you, your home and your lifestyle.
Make sure your contractor is properly licensed in their field. Ensure you sign a consumer contract for home improvements. Your agreement should include both start and completion dates and include an agreement for who pays for what, should the contract go over-bid.
IAQ components like humidifiers and high-efficiency air filtration systems are common add-ons to HVAC systems. Most contractors will discount these additional items when installing a new system. Ask about add-ons from your contractor.
Spend some time comparing manufacturers’ and contractors’ warranties. A warranty can save you a lot of time and headache when things break. Oftentimes, at least some parts and repairs are covered with a default warranty when buying new. If flipping a home or planning to sell a home or space, be sure to buy warranties that are transferable.
