How to Choose the Right HVAC System for your Home

Replacing an HVAC system is a big investment for any homeowner, which means choosing the right system is extremely important. Unfortunately, there are no dressing rooms to “try on” an HVAC system before you buy it, so making the right decision from the beginning is critical.  When a new system is installed properly and is the correct size based on your home, a homeowner can expect significant energy savings. HVAC Systems and Energy Savings With the potential to save over 30 percent on energy costs, it is vital a new HVAC system is installed correctly. In fact, HVAC systems that are poorly installed may actually cost more than the old system. There is nothing more frustrating than going through the expense of purchasing and installing a new HVAC system, only to keep your bills the same as they were with the prior system. Don’t forget to have the technician check the ductwork. According to the Department of Energy, typical duct systems lose 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by HVAC systems. Bigger is Not Better Having a bigger HVAC system doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. In order for your HVAC system to work efficiently, it needs to be the proper size for your home. A unit that is too large will cool your home too quickly and may not dehumidify the air properly, leaving your living room more like a refrigerator than a comfortable space. If a HVAC system is too small, it will not be able to keep rooms comfortable during times of extreme weather. For example, in the winter, your home won’t be warm enough, while in the summer, your home won’t cool down quickly or efficiently. This can cause the unit to run harder which leads to higher energy costs. A good contractor will use a Manual J Load Calculation, or a similar calculation worksheet published by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), to determine the correct size system for your home.  Manual J provides the contractor with calculations that use the square footage of your home, roof type, the direction your house faces and many other factors to determine which proper HVAC system size will work most efficiently for your home. Proper Installation Once you have defined which HVAC system is correct for your home, you want to ensure the system is installed properly. Poor installation can lead to uneven room temperatures, noisy systems, and early equipment failure. The best way to choose the right HVAC system is to have an experienced specialist like the ones at Spencer AC & Heating take a look at your current system and help you make the choice that is right for you. Visit spencerairconditioning.com today to get started! And don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.