Whether upgrading an existing HVAC system or installing it for the first time, there are many factors to consider. That is why we recommend working with an HVAC professional who can help guide you through the process and offer recommendations based on your home, location, and preferences. To give you a head start, we’ve outlined some key things to discuss with your contractor when buying HVAC equipment.
When buying new HVAC equipment, consider energy efficiency.
Heating and cooling equipment has an energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit operates and the potential to lower your monthly utility bills. When buying new HVAC equipment for your home, consider comparing the AFUE percentages.
Energy efficiency questions to ask your HVAC contractor:
- How will the energy efficiency rating impact my monthly utility bill?
- Why does this unit have a higher or lower AFUE rating than others?
- Are there any tax incentives for getting a higher efficiency system?
- Is the upfront expense for a higher-efficiency unit worth the long-term savings?
- How long will it take to recoup the initial cost?
Get the right-sized HVAC system for your home.
Goldilocks taught us an important lesson: we need a heating and cooling system that is just the right size. Installing a system that is too small, or too big, will lead to increased utility bills, excess wear on the equipment, and inadequate temperature distribution. That is why it is important to discuss unit sizes, both in terms of dimensions and power output, with your contractor. Factors such as your home’s square footage, insulation, geographic location, unit placement, and more should be considered when buying new HVAC equipment. Often, units are represented using BTUs or Tons.
Questions for your contractor about sizing your new HVAC equipment.
- How many BTUs or Tons should our new unit have?
- Where will the new unit go? Are there minimum and maximum dimensions we need to stay within for it to fit the space?
Determine whether you require a single-zone or multi-zone unit.
Single-zone heating and cooling means the temperature you set your system at will be the temperature for your entire home. Alternatively, if you’d like to designate specific temperatures in different areas of your home, then you may want to consider a multi-zone HVAC system.
To facilitate the conversion about single- or multi-zone HVAC systems, here are some prompts.
- Is it your professional opinion that a multi-zone or single-zone system would best suit my home and needs?
- Will a single-zone unit impact the energy efficiency of my system differently than a multi-zone unit?
- What is the installation cost difference between the two options?
Now that you have some talking points to review with your contractor, take a look at our HVAC products to further familiarize yourself with your heating and cooling options. At Durastar, we submit our products to rigorous testing and ensure each piece of equipment is built to last. Rest easy knowing you will experience optimal comfort, season after season.