At some point you lived in a house or apartment with poor HVAC System. Controlling the temperature was next to impossible. Maybe it was the rundown apartment in college that was like a sauna in the summer and an ice box in the winter. No matter how hard you tried, you could never regulate the temperature to a comfortable level. Now that you own your home, maintaining a comfortable temperature is a must. But buying a heating and cooling system is a big decision and is going to set you back some money. So, before pull the trigger, make sure you consider the following things.
SEER Rating
If you’re buying your very first HVAC system or it’s been a few years, a lot has changed. Today, heating and cooling technology is all about energy efficiency. Buying the most efficient system to fit your needs is not only good for the environment, but will save you money on your monthly utility bill.
This is why you should look at the SEER rating. This rating will tell you what you can expect from the system in terms of energy efficiency. In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your system will be.
Size
HVAC systems come in all matter of different sizes. For this reason, it’s imperative that you consider the size of the system relative to the size of your home. Smaller systems regulate temperature in smaller areas and larger systems can do the job in the larger spaces.
If you purchase an oversized HVAC system, it will be less efficient because it takes more energy to regulate temperature in a small space. It will also start and stop more often leading to excess wear and tear that could cause real problems down the road.
Purchasing a system that is too small presents its own set of issues. Systems that don’t have the capacity to heat or cool all the necessary space in your home have to work overtime meaning your energy bill can skyrocket and you still won’t be comfortable.
Get a Professional Opinion
As you begin shopping for the right HVAC system for your home, seek the advice of a professional. They will be able to answer all your questions and point you in the right direction. Be careful though. Some companies partner with a specific brand and have no choice but to sell only their products, even if there might be a better option out there. As you shop, seek out plumbing and HVAC professionals that carry multiple lines and aren’t tied one specific manufacturer.
Consider Cost
When you’re making a major purchase like a new HVAC system, be realistic about what you can afford. At the same time, your cheapest option might not always be the best one. For example, if you go with a cheap system but end up spending thousands of dollars in repairs and high utility bills down the road, you’re actually losing money. As much as you can afford, spend the money up front to get a reputable system with a good warranty. It might be a little painful in the beginning, but you’ll be thanking your lucky stars later on when your energy bill is lower and you don’t have to worry about expensive repairs.
Match the System with a Thermostat
Just like HVAC systems, thermostats have come a long way in recent years. Technology now exists that allows you to set certain temperatures at certain times of day. Some systems even allow you to control the temperature from your smart phone or smart home device. By being able to regulate temperature on demand, your HVAC system will use less energy and save you money.
Living in a space that’s always too hot or too cold is no fun. One month you’re sweating on top of your sheets and the next you see your breath when you wake up in the morning. With the advancements in heating and cooling technology, you can put those days behind you. Buying a new HVAC isn’t a decision to take lightly. You’re looking at spending a substantial amount of money, so you’d better make the right decision. If you what to look for however, the buying process becomes a lot less stressful. Should you have questions at any point during the process, call your local Einstein Pro and they will guide you to best decision for your home.