Having an HVAC system in your home is essential. However, don’t just buy the most expensive one. You need to consider several things when buying an HVAC system so that you don’t overpay for what you need. Before jumping online and setting up a time for those $10,000 units, you can seek the advice of reputable HVAC St Charles professionals for you to make an informed decision. You can also read through the considerations and questions listed in this article.
What size is needed?
To start, figure out how big your house is and consider the climate it’s in. A tiny house may only need a small unit, while a four-bedroom home up north will probably need something between 15-20 tons of power to cool properly during the hot summer days. On the flip side, maybe you have a big but relatively cheap house. A good rule of thumb is that one ton of cooling capacity is required for every 500 feet indoors. If it’s cooler out, take the total square footage and multiply by 10 to get the number of tons needed.
What type of system do you need?
The type of HVAC system is probably one of the first decisions. There are three main types:
- Gas system. This uses natural gas or propane to heat and cool your home. These systems cost less than electric ones to install and run, but they’re more expensive to maintain.
- Electric heat/electric cooling. Electric is typically more expensive than other types, but it may be a good choice for people who live in extremely hot or cold climates. You can get away without having a furnace if you only need air conditioning because it tends to be much cheaper.
- Heat pump. This one is similar to an electric system, except it can also be used as a heater in the winter. However, customers do not often use this feature due to the high heating bills that result from it.
Do you want a programmable system?
Programmable thermostats are becoming more common, especially with most people working throughout the day. That means there’s no one around to turn down the air conditioner when they’re not home. Having a programmable unit allows you to do that and still keep the energy bills low.
Do you need ductless heating and cooling systems?
Ductless units typically cost between $3,000 to $4,000, but they only ‘plug in,’ so you’ll have an unsightly hole somewhere in your house until it has been installed. They also tend to be slightly less efficient than traditional systems, but ductless units are a great option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Before buying an HVAC system, be sure to ask yourself the questions above. One of the best things you can do is talk to an HVAC premier contractor about what you need for your home and see if they have anything that interests you. They’ll be able to look at your house specifically and tell you what kind of system would work best for you, not just tell you about their more expensive units because they’re probably going to get a higher commission from selling them.
