HVAC systems are lifesavers in our homes. They not only ensure we breathe quality air but also keep our rooms heated, making them great for health, relaxation, and general home comfort. Therefore, if you have decided to go for a new HVAC system, it’s one of the most important decisions you can ever make for your home or office. While there are lots of HVAC Systems in the market, selecting one with the right characteristics for your home can be difficult. Therefore, we have come up with top features to look for when shopping for a new HVAC system.
Heating and Cooling Capacity
The first thing you should always look for when shopping for a new HVAC system is the heating and cooling capacity. Usually, these capacities are measured using the British Thermal Units (BTU). If you want a system unit with a higher heating capacity, then you should go with a higher BTU rating. At the same time, units with higher cooling efficiency have higher tons ratings.
Energy Efficiency
Over the last few years, much improvement has been witnessed in HVAC systems. While the older ones consume lots of energy, the newer generations do have a higher energy efficiency rating. Note that the more energy-efficient the HVAC is, the more it will cost to save on your energy bills. Therefore, before you buy a unit, it’s advisable that you check the consumption rates. While doing that, pay close attention to AFUE, HSPF, and SEER ratings. The higher the AFUE, HSPF, and SEER ratings, the more efficient the HVAC system.
Noise Levels
You would also want to have an HVAC system that doesn’t cause much noise pollutions. While the modern units are much quiet while operating, there are some conditioners that generate some disturbing noise. Usually, the sound produced by the conditioners is measured using decibels (dB). Depending on your place of work, or home preference, you should always go for a unit with 60 dB and below. However, you can also consult contractors to help you determine the noise levels.
Maintenance Requirements
Buying a new HVAC system is one thing, and maintaining is the other. While these systems are heavy to acquire, their cost of maintenance can equally be high. Note that failure to do proper maintenance can cause operation failures or damages. Therefore, you should always check the maintenance costs of your system. Also, as you negotiate for installation, also do the same for the service plan. Check whether the vendor is willing to offer regular inspections and repairs at discounts. It will save you in the long run.
HVAC systems help make our offices and homes livable. While buying a new one is a good idea, there are key things you need to check before making the purchase. For instance, you need to check the heating/cooling capacity, efficiency, noise pollution levels, and cost of maintenance. Considering these factors will ensure you enjoy the service of your HVAC unit for a long time.
