Most air heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems last for about 15 or 20 years before needing to be addressed by heating and air conditioning professionals. Some homeowners, believing the system’s thermostat to be the culprit when things go awry, seek the services of an HVAC company to replace the small device. It is certainly true that the thermostat is a significant component in the HVAC system. There is more to air heating and cooling services, however, than the thermostat. Some systems need to be replaced outright, which is a chore that only an expert can perform. An air heating and cooling system also need to be serviced periodically to prevent unexpected problems during the winter and summer months. It is best to solicit the services of a professional in the spring to inspect your air conditioning system for the summer months.
Fall is a great time to hire a professional to perform routine maintenance on your heating system in preparation for the winter months. You definitely do not want to be surprised by breakdowns on the hottest or coldest days of the calendar. In what other ways can an HVAC expert help you? Read on to find out!
Look at the SEER RatingJust because the summer may be barreling toward its end as the Autumnal Equinox grows near, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about new heating and cooling units that can keep your family healthy and comfortable in the coming seasons. Consider, according to The Atlantic, 87% of American homeowners use heating and cooling systems to cool or warm their homes. The heat may be about to end, but experts say we’re in for a real whopper of a winter.
If you aren’t confident your current heating and cooling systems can handle another harsh winter, you need to know what to look for in a new HVAC setup. From pricing to output, choosing a new HVAC unit can seem pretty daunting. With these simple tips for choosing the best units, however, you can take all of the fuss out of this process, while still getting the best for you and your family.
How to Choose the Right Family Heating and Cooling HVAC Solution for Your Home
As HouseLogic details, one of the first things you should look at when looking for new heating and cooling systems is their SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the unit will be. Federal standards currently mandate a minimum SEER rating of 13. Units with higher ratings will be more expensive, but they may pay for themselves in the long run as you shave big chunks off your energy bill.
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- Consider the Size of Your Home
Homeowners too often make the mistake of choosing HVAC systems that are either too big or too small for their homes. Units that are too small will have to work extra hard, leading to a premature need for repairs. Overly large units will suck energy and actually be less efficient at cooling your home. Measure your home and then look for a setup built to condition that amount of space.
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- Look at Lifecycle Costs
It can be extremely tempting to buy an HVAC unit based on initial price alone. After all, this is a huge investment we’re talking about. However, as the U.S. Small Business Administration writes, you need to think long term if you really want to save. In particular, you should be looking at the lifecycle costs of each option. A unit might have a low buying cost but a huge lifecycle cost or the other way around. Balance these two figures to find the option that is really the best for your pocketbook.
Do you work for or own a home air conditioning service? What do you think homeowners need to consider when looking for new heating and cooling systems? Sound off in the comments below! Continue reading here.