Tips for Buying the Right Heating and Cooling System

Trusted heating and cooling contractors worth their salt know that the installation of a comfort system is more important than the brand you choose. On the AC side, most HVAC systems use the same compressor from one manufacturer. The compressor is the most critical part of a system. There was once a bigger differentiation between brands, but that’s often not the case anymore.

Find a Knowledgeable Heating and Cooling Company

A knowledgeable HVAC contractor will help you select the right heating and cooling system for your home. To do so, they’ll carefully review your existing ductwork, drain pipes, future plans, budget and your home’s layout. It’s a lot to consider, but it’s key to installing an HVAC system that fits your needs.

Let’s start with the ductwork. HVAC contractors must verify the ducts are adequate to handle a new HVAC system. In some homes, the ducts were designed to handle the last generation of HVAC systems. But today’s systems have different requirements in order to perform at their peak.

Next comes inspecting your drainpipes. HVAC contractors are looking for any blockages to ensure your new system has adequate drainage so that water doesn’t back up into the HVAC system and cause damage. Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of blockages in HVAC systems. In most systems, the humidifier, furnace and air conditioner coil all use the same drain. A blocked air filter can release debris into the drain, clogging it and causing fluids to back up into your appliances. Always keep tabs on when to replace your air filters. Most manufacturers include a recommended time frame, so make a note of when you need to replace yours and do so consistently.

Opt for High Efficiency

Selecting the right comfort system requires choosing a level of efficiency. Higher-efficiency systems have a higher initial cost than lower-efficiency versions, with the savings coming from lower monthly utilities. Consider how long you’ll live in your home. If you’re staying long enough to recoup any extra cost via energy savings, it’s worth it to invest in a higher-efficiency system. If not, spend less on the lower-efficiency system. And if you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, consider a geothermal system for the ultimate in energy cost savings. 

Geothermal heat systems provide a fantastic long-term cost of ownership savings despite the initial installation cost. A geothermal heat pump essentially draws heat from the ground outside a home and forces it inside. In warmer weather, the pump creates a heat transfer by drawing heat from inside the home and pumping it outside into the cooler ground.

Choosing a size is the next step. The size of the heating and cooling system has to match the size of your home. Too small and the HVAC system can’t manage the load of heating or cooling on extremely hot and cold days. Too large, and the system cools the home too quickly and shuts off, not running long enough to remove the humidity.

Look for manufactured and utility rebates on the HVAC system that meets your needs based on the above tips. United Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can provide you with a range of options based on your budget. Due to our volume of equipment buying as well as manufacturers’ and other offers, we’re able to pass savings along to our customers. Choosing a high-efficiency appliance with a high rating from the Environmental Protection Agency is a great way to save money over time on utility bills and your taxes.

Today’s systems have more working parts and components. Maintaining higher-efficiency equipment requires a higher level of knowledge than older systems, so choose an HVAC contractor with experience with this new technology.

Ongoing Support from United 

United Heating, Cooling & Plumbing stands by the quality of our work in every project. After completion, we’ll follow up with you to ensure you’re happy with the service you received. You can also schedule regular maintenance for the future so you can rest assured knowing your comfort systems have had professional attention. If there’s any doubt about your next HVAC purchase, a United customer service representative is available to answer all of your questions.