Buying a new heating and cooling system? This post is just for you and that too, just in time. Choosing a new HVAC unit is not a simple task, like buying a shampoo bottle from the supermarket. For one, the amount you will be spending on it is considerable, and also, any mistake in the decision will hit you hard both comfort-wise and financially. What you need are systematic research and proper planning.
To make your work easier, we decided to pen down the five questions that all homeowners looking to buy a new heating and cooling system must ask. These will guide you in the right direction and help you choose wisely.
5 Questions To Ask When Buying A New Heating And Cooling System
Let’s begin in an orderly fashion so that each question you ask helps narrow down the choices. In this manner, towards the end, you will not have a wide variety but a few probable candidates.
Question 1 – What Size System Will Suit Your Home?
It is important to know the exact size of the HVAC system that is appropriate for your home and its needs. Guessing will not serve you well. Do not ever make the mistake of assuming that a big sized unit will heat and cool your home faster. The truth is that an oversize unit will lead to short cycling, which will ultimately add to your energy bills. So, where you thought it would save you money, it lands up, causing additional expense.
Similarly, a small size unit will work around the clock and still fail to achieve the desired temperature inside the house. Being too small, it’s the capability to keep the indoors comfortable will always be lacking.
Question 2 – Will I require new ductwork, or the existing one will suffice?
Ductwork happens to be an added expense over and above the cost of the actual physical heating and cooling equipment. If there is no ductwork in your home, you need to figure out whether you are willing to bear the expense of installing a new one. If not, you can always think of buying a ductless system.
If your home has pre-existing ductwork, you can easily buy a ducted HVAC system. Nevertheless, one still needs to get a firsthand report on its condition. The chances are that it may require cleaning and sealing. Duct cleaning will help get rid of all build-ups and contaminants inside it. Typically, it is done by professionals using heavy grade vacuum cleaners that are mounted on trucks and have an exceptionally long hose to reach every corner. Once cleaned, the ductwork will have to be sealed to prevent any air leaks.
Question 3 – What kind of thermostat you need?
There is a fine line between need and desire. I may desire the sun, while a light bulb will do the same job admirably. So, you may desire the most high-end thermostat, but even a little lower one will help you achieve the same task. As the number of features in the thermostat increases, so does its cost. If you want to curb extra expenditure, the best-case scenario is to make a list of the thermostat must-have features. It will help narrow down your choices. At Aztil Air Conditioning, we always recommend buying a programmable thermostat as it will make your life easy.
You can also buy a smart thermostat to give you the freedom to control the temperature inside your house from anywhere. Their added advantage is that they have inbuilt sensors that can help further cut down additional expense by putting the system in the lowest setting when it senses nobody around.
Question 4 – What’s your budget consideration?
Based on your budget, you can decide the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) value. Each successive SEER system is costlier than the previous one. The point that needs consideration here is that though you may pay higher for a good SEER system, it will pay for itself in terms of the energy savings that it renders. So important is to figure out whether you are willing to make adjustments to your budget or not.
Question 5 – Financing options available?
Buying a new heating and cooling system is a significant investment. One that becomes easier to bear with good financing options. Many states give special rebates and discounts on purchasing those heating and cooling systems that are environmentally friendly and reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Even HVAC contractors have special schemes that make for a little less burden on your pockets.
Trust Your HVAC Contractor’s Advice
Choosing the right heating and cooling system is a difficult decision, one that can be made easy by trusting the advice of your HVAC contractor or technician. Their knowledge and experience make them experts in the field to guide others in making the correct purchase decision. Though if you are still in doubt, it is always good to go for a second opinion.
Wrapping Up
One of the most expensive decisions you make for your home and yourself is buying a new heating and cooling system. This is precisely why you need to ask the right set of questions. Their answers will narrow down your choices until you arrive at the one that is a perfect fit for both yourself and your home. In the end, always remember not to compromise on quality as the durability of the product and your safety rests on it.
Aztil Air Conditioning is always there to help you make the right decisions regarding your home’s heating and cooling system. If you are confused and wish to discuss your options for buying a new HVAC system, feel free to contact us at any time. We are a family-owned business operating in West Palm Beach since 1981. Our elite team of technicians takes care of HVAC installations, repairs, replacements, and maintenance. We even offer air quality solutions that can make your home a more healthy place to live in. To book an appointment, give us a call at +1-888-729-8452.
