If you have had your heating system for a long time or you have noticed it developing never-ending problems, it’s time to replace it. Are you wondering, how do I choose a new HVAC system? Here is a guide to follow as given by HVAC companies:
Type of HVAC system
There are many types of HVAC systems you can go for. The most popular being heat pumps that draw heat from outside the house and bring it in. While heat pumps are highly effective and energy-efficient, they often don’t work well in areas that experience extremely low temperatures. So if you live in such areas, you are better off with furnaces and other appliances.
If not sure about the right units to go for, get an expert’s input.
Size of the unit
For your unit to function optimally, you need to ensure it’s the right size. Before you head to the stores or online to make the purchase, take your living area measurements, and buy a unit that will fit that area.
Remember, an improperly sized unit works harder than it should, and the increased wear shortens the appliance’s life leading to increased breakdowns. It also costs you more to install it (if you buy an oversized appliance), and you have high-energy bills.
If not sure how to approximate the right size of appliance to go for, ask your local technician to help you out.
Availability of spare parts
Even with the best care, it’s common for the furnace to break down. And when it does, you don’t want to have problems finding the replacement parts. To ensure this doesn’t happen, buy a popular furnace brand or model.
This calls for you to avoid a new model or exotic brand that will require you to import the parts when the appliance breaks down.
You can’t know whether a brand or model has been around for long without doing some research, so take your time and do some background checks before you hit the appliance stores.
Energy efficiency
You don’t want to install an appliance that doubles or triples your monthly energy bill, do you? You want a unit that is energy efficient and will heat your house without taking a lot of money from your pocket. The cool thing is it’s possible to tell whether the unit will give you the great service you are looking for.
When you are at the store, check the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and buy a unit with the recommended SEER rating in your area.
Look
Most people install their heating systems in their living rooms, where they are in the guests’ full glare. To ensure the appliance doesn’t look out of place, ensure that it has a design that matches the other appliances in the house.
For example, if the television, furniture, and other units have curves, get a furnace or heat pump with curves. You also should pay attention to the appliance’s color. If you don’t want to draw a lot of attention to it, go for a unit with a subtle color such as gray or brown.
Maintenance requirements
What does it take to keep your unit in top condition? Before you buy the appliance, check what you need to do to keep it as good as new for a long time. You want an appliance that doesn’t need a lot of care. Your unit should also not require specialized care that will require you to hire an expensive technician with specialized knowledge.
Most heating systems require annual tune-ups. You will need to hire heating service repair Arlington technicians to inspect the air filters, clean the indoor and outdoor components, and replace any faulty parts.
Specs
Finally, the last thing to consider is the features that the unit has. Popular features in modern appliances include: programmable thermostats that you can control wirelessly, ductless systems, and variable speed fans. You can also go for an appliance with zoning features that helps you choose different temperatures for each zone. This comes in handy at keeping you as comfortable as possible.
