4 Things to Look Out for When Shopping for an HVAC System

Purchasing a new HVAC system is one of the most important home improvements you can make. Everyone wants the best equipment for their homes, so selecting the proper HVAC system is essential for the comfort of your home. However, the countless options when choosing a heating and cooling system can be overwhelming. There are numerous factors to consider, especially if this is your first time purchasing an HVAC system.

A new HVAC system is a long-term investment directly related to your home’s utility costs, air quality, and comfort. Therefore, it’s critical to research your local options and select a professional installation company that meets your needs and budget. If you live in London, Canada, or anywhere in southwestern Ontario, you should seek the best HVAC companies in London when buying an HVAC system. The professionals know the ins and outs of these systems and can offer service at every level of need.

In addition, this article will provide you with all the information you need when shopping for an HVAC system.

High-Efficiency

You should purchase the most energy-efficient HVAC equipment you can afford. The standard-efficiency vs. a high-efficiency HVAC system requires nearly the same labor component of the installation. However, the high-efficiency system is more worth it in the long run. High-efficiency HVAC systems can frequently reduce heating and cooling costs by 30% or more!

High-efficiency systems are slightly more expensive than standard ones, but that investment will pay for itself through savings on monthly energy bills. Furthermore, the maintenance costs are likely to be the same. So, investing in a premium, high-efficiency HVAC system is the best option. You’ll be saving money over time, and not to mention, it’s the right thing to do for the environment.

The Right Size of HVAC System

Another thing to factor in when purchasing a new HVAC system is that the unit’s size fits your home space. An undersized or oversized HVAC system causes many issues that can cost you money. For example, in many older houses, some furnaces are twice the size required. In addition, oversized units would cycle too frequently, reducing their life and providing less comfort and indoor air quality than a properly sized system.

Having excessive heating and cooling capacity will reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system because it’ll use more energy to provide conditioned air for a small space. It’ll also stop and frequently start, causing more wear and tear than usual. On the other hand, insufficient heating or cooling capacity means sacrificing comfort. Your contractor should determine the proper system size you need for your home.

Look Out for Ratings

HVAC technology has dramatically changed over the last few years. To get the best deal, opt for the most recent energy-efficient technology available on the market. EER, SEER, AFUE, and HSPF are rating methods designed to tell the consumer about the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. In general, the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the furnace or air conditioner.

In addition, don’t forget to check for online reviews and ratings. You have many independent sources for contractor references and reviews. Examine reputable websites such as Google+ and Better Business Bureau, where people leave reviews under their names. Ask friends about their experiences and request references from satisfied customers from your contractor. Other quality contractors’ indicators include time in business and certified HVAC technicians. If the contractor advertises 24-hour service, call after hours to see if it is easy to reach them.

Shop for your needs, not for features

Shop for your needs, not for features

More features are being added to units than ever before. But getting caught up in the features rather than shopping for your specific needs is one of the most common mistakes. For example, if you’re home all day with the AC, a higher-priced unit with a high-efficiency rating might be worth it. However, if you don’t spend that much time at home, the higher price might not be worth it.

You should make a list of your requirements for a year-round air conditioner. Consider your living environment, the temperature your thermostat is usually set to, how much time you spend at home (and how much the temperature differs when you’re), and most importantly –  your budget. It will be much more difficult to get sidetracked by features you might temporarily want if you already know what you want.

Wrapping Up

As with any major purchase, when shopping for an HVAC system, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Fortunately, with some planning and research, you’ll be well on your way to finding the ideal unit for your home. Follow our tips when shopping for an HVAC system and consider each system’s efficiency, size, ratings, and type within your budget.