While shopping for your next HVAC system, you may hear many unfamiliar words like heat pump, ductwork, zoning, package unit, and air quality. We at Davis Heating and AC know that investing in a new HVAC system can seem overwhelming at first. Many homeowners aren’t sure where to even start. Here are seven strategies to put you in the right direction.
- Pick a trusted HVAC contractor. When you open the phonebook, it seems like there are hundreds of HVAC contractors. How do you pick? Make sure he or she is licensed and insured. Installing a HVAC system is a complex process. Hiring a licensed professional helps to ensure that your system will be installed properly. HVAC contractors are required to pull the appropriate local permits and have all work inspected to be sure your new system meets local building codes. Check out the company website and read online reviews. Look for someone that has adequate experience. At Davis Heating & AC, our comfort specialists have over 15 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
- Listen to the comfort specialist. Once you choose a company that you can trust, ask for suggestions. Our installers and estimators are factory trained and kept up to date on the newest HVAC technologies. They may have options for your home and family that you weren’t even aware existed. Also, your comfort specialist can inform you about manufacturer warranties that are included with the purchase of your equipment.
- Bigger is not always better. Many homeowners are often misinformed about what size equipment they should have in their home. Determining how much tonnage your HVAC system needs is a scientific process and is best determined by performing a load calculation. The calculation considers the size, shape, and orientation of your house, insulation, window area, air infiltration, climate, number of residents in the home and their comfort preferences.
- Know your SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), the more efficient and less costly your unit will be to operate. There may also be special rebates and tax credits on higher efficiency models.
- Don’t forget about your ducts. Ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout houses with forced air heating and cooling systems. In typical houses, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts (Energy Star). Make sure your HVAC contractor inspects your ductwork to ensure that ducts are not leaky or damaged.
- Indoor air quality is important. According to UL, the air inside your home is two to 10 times more polluted that the air outside. Poor indoor air quality can cause serious infections and disease in your family members. There are multiple products that can help control viruses, bacteria, mold and other harmful contaminates in your home.
- Consider more than price. Sometimes the lowest bid accompanies lower installation quality. More efficient and well-made equipment is more costly than lower quality brands. Be sure your contractor talks to you about part and labor warranties.
For a free estimate on upgrading your HVAC system, call Davis Heating & AC. Our comfort specialists can take the stress and headache out of shopping for your HVAC system.