What Should I Know Before Replacing My Heating or Cooling System?
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is essential for staying comfortable in every season. If your current equipment is getting old and you want to enhance efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality, you may be ready to invest in an HVAC replacement. Choosing the right heating and cooling system is crucial to ensure the best results. Here’s what you need to know.
Understand Your Current System
Before replacing your furnace or air conditioner, familiarize yourself with your current HVAC system’s specifications, including its age, brand and model, efficiency rating, and any performance issues. This information is helpful when discussing with professionals what type of system you might need.
Consider the Equipment Size
When it comes to HVAC systems, size matters. For instance, an oversized air conditioner will cycle on and off frequently, causing excessive wear and tear and preventing adequate humidity removal. Conversely, an undersized furnace won’t adequately heat your home on the coldest nights, leaving you uncomfortable despite a constantly running furnace.
Sizing an HVAC system begins by considering your home’s square footage. For example, a 1200- to 1600-square-foot house may need a 2.5-ton air conditioner. To ensure the greatest accuracy, professional HVAC technicians weigh other factors as well, including insulation levels, window layout, home orientation, occupancy, climate, and more.
Energy Efficiency is Key
Many homeowners replace their heating and cooling systems to reduce utility costs. When looking for a new system, check the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) for air conditioners and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating for furnaces.
You may notice a correlation between higher efficiency ratings and sticker prices. While more efficient systems tend to cost more upfront, they deliver lower energy bills for years to come, allowing the investment to pay for itself.
Installation is Just as Important as the System Itself
Even the most advanced HVAC system can underperform if it’s not installed correctly. Proper installation ensures peak efficiency, boosts indoor comfort levels, and increases your system’s lifespan. To enjoy these outcomes, be sure to hire a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor for the job.
Replacement of the Entire HVAC System
When it’s time to upgrade your AC unit, you might be tempted to only replace the indoor or outdoor portion, depending on which one is failing. However, replacing the entire cooling system is important because both halves are designed to work together as a cohesive unit. Mismatched components can lead to reduced efficiency, more frequent breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
It’s also worth replacing your furnace and air conditioner at the same time if they were originally installed together. After all, if one is wearing out, the other is likely near the end of its lifespan as well. Replacing all heating and cooling components at once ensures optimal performance and saves you time and hassle. Discuss with your HVAC professional what savings might be available if you replace your entire heating and cooling system.
Potential Duct Repair and/or Modification
Your ductwork greatly affects HVAC system performance. Over time, ducts can become leaky, clogged, or disconnected, leading to poor airflow and energy waste. Installing a new HVAC system is an excellent time to have your ductwork inspected and, if necessary, repaired or modified.
Sometimes, ductwork is incorrectly sized for a new HVAC system or meanders inefficiently due to poor design and installation. Your technician can assess the air ducts and make the necessary adjustments to help your upgraded equipment operate as efficiently as possible.
Consider Costs and Financing Options
Replacing your HVAC system is a significant investment. While the upfront cost might seem high, it’s essential to consider the long-term savings an efficient system can provide. Many HVAC companies offer financing options to help spread out the cost over time. Be sure to ask about these options when comparing quotes.
Don’t Forget About Ongoing Maintenance
Once your new system is installed, regular furnace and air conditioner maintenance is crucial to keep the equipment running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Ask your HVAC contractor about their tune-up services and consider signing up for a maintenance agreement on installation day.
Universal Air Conditioning and Heating is Your Trusted HVAC Partner
With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, top-notch technical expertise, and a wide range of high-quality HVAC products, Universal Air Conditioning and Heating can ensure the HVAC replacement process goes smoothly. We understand that every home is unique, so we’ll work closely with you to select a system that suits your comfort needs and budget. Our professional technicians then install your new equipment correctly so it operates at its peak for many years to come. To request HVAC replacement or repair, please call us at 410-544-7334 today. We have proudly served Pasadena, MD, and the surrounding area since 1987.