How to Choose a New HVAC System

Table of Contents

1. How Much is a New HVAC System?
2. Factors for Choosing the Right HVAC System
3. Common Mistakes When Buying an HVAC System

If your HVAC unit doesn’t keep your home cool in the summer, it may be time for an upgrade. Buy a brand-new energy-efficient air conditioner to reduce your monthly energy expenses and provide better air quality for your living space. This guide will help you figure out how to choose a new HVAC system.

How Much Is a New HVAC Unit?

The cost to install a new HVAC system depends on several factors, including:

• Your home’s construction: The products and methods necessary for your HVAC installation depend on your property’s energy efficiency and size. A bigger house will need a larger, more expensive AC, but you can expect to save money on your HVAC expenses if your living space has energy-efficient windows and insulation in the walls. Before installing your HVAC system, you should seal any cracks in the walls or around the doors that could let in air drafts.
• The size of your unit: Each HVAC unit features different cooling and heating capacities measured in British thermal units (BTUs). HVAC systems with a higher BTU range are more expensive because they can produce cold air for more spacious houses.
• Your home’s location: If your home is in a metro area, you can expect to pay higher costs for the components of your HVAC unit. You’ll also spend more money on a reliable, energy-efficient system if you live in a warmer climate that needs AC all year long.
• The manufacturing company: Brands such as Trane and Lennox cost the most money, but they’ll last for nearly three decades if you maintain them properly. Goodman is a more budget-friendly company that also provides reliable units that could last a couple of decades.
• The complexity of the project: Simple projects are often more cost-effective than complicated ones. Unless you’ve had severe issues with the structure of your HVAC unit, including incorrect size, you should replace it with a model that yields a similar BTU count. Adding or changing the ductwork can increase the price of your project, along with any other structural changes the contractor would need to make to your walls or floors.

 

Factors for Choosing the Right HVAC System

As you find a central air conditioning system for your house, consider these factors:

• • Type of unit: The most popular residential cooling units are central air conditioning, heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems. Central air uses either a split system or a packaged unit to provide a comfortable atmosphere throughout the home, while heat pumps absorb any excess heat you may have in the home and release it outside. A ductless mini-split system allows you to control the temperature of specific rooms in the house instead of your whole property.
  • Size of the unit: You need the right size for your HVAC system to save money on monthly cooling costs in the warm summer months. Measure the length and width of your living area to determine the square footage. Your local HVAC technician can also measure the space you want to cool and figure out what size air conditioner to order.
  • Maintenance requirements: Your HVAC unit will need annual tune-ups in the spring to get it ready for summer. These inspections include replacing the air filters and cleaning the indoor and outdoor components. Purchase a low-maintenance, cost-effective central cooling system and schedule yearly appointments with the HVAC technician to make sure it works for several decades.
  • Energy efficiency: If you live in a hot area, look for an HVAC system with high energy efficiency. Purchasing an energy-efficient HVAC system will save you 20-40% in energy costs. Check the yellow sticker on your air conditioner to find out its seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER). In Texas, your HVAC unit should have a SEER rating of at least 15.
  • Design and specs: Consider the best features for your HVAC system based on the size of your house. Before ordering a new HVAC unit, find out if your home already has centralized ductwork and decide if you have space for both an indoor and outdoor component. It would help if you also thought about whether you want a centralized thermostat or zoned controls.

 

• Available features: Aside from the cooling aspects of your HVAC system, you can also add accessibility features to make it easier to use. Smart HVAC units allow you to monitor your AC from your phone. To maintain the energy-efficiency of your home, you can also upgrade to a thermostat that allows you to create a temperature schedule based on your daily habits.

 

Common Mistakes When Buying an HVAC System

Avoid making these errors as you’re shopping for your HVAC system so that you can save money and have a reliable cooling unit for years to come.

• Replacing without trying to repair: If your HVAC unit isn’t producing cold air, you might need to fix a faulty part instead of replacing the whole thing. An HVAC technician could inspect your system to find the cause of failure. Instead of assuming you need a brand-new AC unit, contact your local contractor to see why it’s not working.
• Only going with one estimate: Improper installation of your HVAC unit could cause it to break down unexpectedly, so you should find a reliable contractor to do the job right. Try to get multiple estimates from trustworthy companies to get a high-quality product that works for your budget and housing needs.
• Buying the wrong size: An HVAC unit that’s too big will continuously turn on and shut off, which will cause too much wear and tear on your cooling components. If the system is too small, it won’t effectively cool the air in your property. Consult with your HVAC contractor to ensure the unit you choose is a good fit for your home.
• Only looking at price: Your goal when choosing the right HVAC system should be to provide a comfortable temperature for your home, even if it’s more expensive than others. While you should buy an HVAC unit according to your budget, consider other factors as well, such as energy efficiency and durability. The cheapest option isn’t always the best quality, and it typically won’t give you a high resale value if you put your house on the market.

Contact A/C Contractors for Your New HVAC System in Northeast Texas

If you need a new cooling and heating system for your home in Tyler or Longview, Texas, look no further than A/C Contractors, your Comfort Kings in residential air conditioning. Our Do-It-Right Guys specialize in HVAC installation, maintenance and repair. Contact us today for a free estimate or more information about the right HVAC system for your property.