Tips For Planning for a New HVAC System

If your HVAC system is old or you’re updating your home, it may be time to replace your AC and furnace. Where do you start? With so many options available, the process may seem overwhelming, but if you break it down into manageable steps, you can figure out what you need, determine your budget, and choose a company to do the installation.

Evaluate Your Needs

Starting with the square footage that you need to heat or cool is a good first step, and then evaluating if you want a standard system to heat and cool the entire house. Perhaps you have areas that you don’t frequently use, such as a sunroom in the winter. In that case, perhaps a ductless mini-split would be more suitable. You can use it as an AC in the summer and heat in the winter to maximize use of the room throughout the year

Research Options

Like the ductless mini-split example, you can evaluate what’s available in the market and what would work best in your home. Perhaps your climate is conducive to a heat pump. A heat pump is an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home and could reduce your annual heating and cooling bills.

You’ll also want to know the different energy ratings for the systems and products you’re considering. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently an air conditioner performs during warmer months. The higher the SEER, the better. HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures how well a heating system will function during the winter. Again, the higher the HSPF, the better. Oil and gas furnace energy efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.) This value determines how efficiently the furnace converts oil and gas into heat.

Keep in mind that HVAC systems with high SEER ratings cost more but will pay off in the long run through reduced energy bills. Electric furnaces have a separate rating system.

Plan for Maintenance

To keep your new HVAC system performing at its highest potential, you’ll need to budget for annual maintenance. You’ll need to change filters regularly as well as have the AC and furnace serviced during the spring and fall. Periodic maintenance is well worth the cost, as an HVAC technician will check the system thoroughly to make sure it is clean and that all parts are in good working condition and ready for the upcoming summer or winter.

Atlas Butler is a Full-Service HVAC Company

We can help you plan for your new HVAC system and recommend the best heating and cooling products to meet your household needs and fit your budget. To schedule a consultation, call us at 1-800-FURNACE. Ask about our Comfort Club, which provides discounts on seasonal maintenance, service calls, and parts.