7 Tips for New Homeowners: How To Choose The Right HVAC System

New homeowners have access to millions of tips and tricks on how to buy the right home. That includes finding all the systems and appliances that do the housework. Here are a few guidelines to help them get started on how to choose the right HVAC system for their home.

How To Choose The Right HVAC System

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Decide the type of heating and cooling system that your home has. Most houses have a central air conditioning unit with a wall-mounted console to control temperatures in different rooms. Some houses have boilers in the attics, while others have mini-split ductless systems that supply air to multiple rooms.

2. What is Age and Condition?

Next, know the age and condition of your HVAC unit. Many central heating/cooling units are several decades old and the same age as the house. But problems begin to develop after about ten years. So, how do you find out the age of your HVAC system? You can find your answer on the manufacturer’s nameplate tag in the unit itself. At times, you will simply see the ‘manufacture date’ on the nameplate.

Alternatively, you might find the date hidden within the serial number of the unit at times. Each manufacturing company has devised its own coding system for the day, and you might have to put in some effort in trying to figure it out.

If you are looking to replace your HVAC system, you might need to do it sooner than its average lifespan. As the system ages, it gradually loses its efficiency and reliability, thereby increasing utility and repair costs. Once the system has reached between 10-15 years, it would be better if you upgrade to a newer and more efficient model. The initial investment will be justifiable, especially if the current HVAC model has developed major problems or has become unreliable.

3. What Is Its Energy Efficiency Level?

Know how much energy your HVAC system consumes to produce its heating or cooling output. You can find this information in the efficiency rating, such as the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which rates the efficiency of air conditioners and how many watts of electricity cooling the unit is capable of delivering. The efficiency must be taken into account when it is potentially 40% of your home energy. Hence, if you manage to maximize your efficiency of your HVAC, it can save you a lot of energy and money.

4. What About the Warranty?

Check the warranty if it’s valid on your HVAC unit. See if you still qualify for free repairs or maintenance work. You can renew your home warranty or purchase a new one that’s expired. Warranty is quite important and you will find two types in this category – the equipment warranty and the labor warranty.

The equipment warranty covers the failures or malfunctions that are related to a faulty part. This means that your system stops working due to a faulty part, the manufacturing company or seller will replace that part for free if it is still under warranty.

On the other hand, the labor warranty is provided by the company that fits the equipment. This is an important warranty because the overall working and functioning of your HVAC system will depend on how it has been installed. If the installation has been done properly, the system will offer you years of optimal performance. A bad installation, however, would mean a sorry performance and will not last for a long time.

5. And the Maintenance Reports

Review the inspection reports for all the maintenance work completed. A good homeowner will have maintained the house at least once a year. One of the main reasons why maintenance reports are necessary is to lower your utility bills. A well-maintained HVAC will run more efficiently, which means that your home will be better insulated. In turn, you will end up spending less money on cooling and heating costs and electricity. Maintenance of your HVAC system will also prevent costly repairs in the future.

A well-maintained HVAC system will also prevent problems with the air quality, apart from keeping your home cool or warm. Clean coils mean cleaner air and a better breathing environment for your family. If your HVAC system is not maintained, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and dirt, which can cause several different types of respiratory problems.

6. Check the Air Filters

This vital step is one that most homeowners tend to neglect. In an air conditioner, the filter removes pollutants from the air that will circulate the room. The norm is to change the filter once every six months. If you use the A/C every day during the hottest days of the year, changing the filter once a month is a must.

Air filters are fitted into your HVAC system to keep the debris and dust from collecting inside the duct system and air handler. As the filter gets more clogged, it will restrict the free flow of air through the system.

Your fan motor pushes the air through your home by turning the blades. If the air filter is clogged, this means that it is much more difficult for your fan motor to pull air inside your home. This can result in excess strain on your motor and could lead to it breaking down.

A clogged air filter means that the air movement is reduced through the system. Less conditioned air released through the vents will result in longer wait times and discomfort. Additionally, if your system is working harder to heat or cool your room, it will lead to more energy consumption; this will lead to a higher power bill.

7. Remove the Snow and Leaves

Many HVAC units are placed outdoors in the presence of the elements. Keep the nearby area clean and clear of debris. During the Fall, remove leaves that accumulate in piles, including the stuff that slips in between the vents. Remove snow that has fallen because water is never a functional element to have near machinery. Some people place blankets on top of their heaters to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice.

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is one of the significant features that kept you interested in the new house. Make sure you are getting the right deal and know the features you want. Contact a professional heating and air conditioning installations provider in your area. Not all providers are created equal and we hope this post helps you on how to choose the right HVAC system for your repair and regular maintenance needs.