An effective HVAC installation at home begins with choosing the right system. But that’s only the start of a much longer journey. After choosing and installing the system, you need to maintain it to ensure it offers you efficient service.
Here are some top tips on what to consider when buying a new AC system.
Unit Size
One of the most important factors to consider when performing an HVAC installation is figuring out the size of the air conditioning system you will need. To determine this, you need first to consider the size of your home. If you buy a unit that is too big, you will be incurring unnecessarily high energy costs. On the other hand, if the system is too small, it will have to work harder than it needs to, and it may still not accomplish the job for which it was meant.
Energy Efficiency
A significant percentage of household energy consumption in American homes goes to air conditioning. Of course, this is also determined by your insulation and overall home efficiency. After all, a well-insulated home will moderate the temperature of your home much better than a drafty one. Regardless, choosing an energy-efficient system will help you reduce your overall utility bill.
The easiest way to determine system efficiency is by checking its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the system’s SEER rating, the lower its energy consumption. Pair this number with the correct unit size and you’ll see insurmountable savings.
Repair and Maintenance Costs
A sound air conditioning system can last up to ten years when properly maintained. As such, it is vital for you to carefully consider the cost of maintaining the system before buying it.
Sometimes, HVAC systems may cost you less to buy but consume thousands of dollars in maintenance over a short period. In many cases, you would be better off paying a higher purchase price for a higher quality system if it means that you will incur lower maintenance costs. If the system is low-quality, you might need to do a new HVAC installation sooner than you thought.
Do you have a programmable thermostat?
You should consider installing a programmable thermostat when you want to save even more money. This is swiftly becoming a common feature in air conditioning installations since they save you money when you’re not home. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day based on preset settings determined by you. This means that you can set it to go off when you are not at home, then reactivate it a few minutes before you get in. This enables you to save energy but still enjoy the convenience of a pre-warmed or pre-cooled home.
Maintaining Your System
Failure to maintain your system can lead to a number of issues with your air conditioner. And when your HVAC system doesn’t work properly, you’ll quickly incur higher electricity bills. Worse yet, you might be stuck enduring hot summers and cold winters despite having an HVAC system.
A poor maintenance regime will also reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system. Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure your maintenance regime keeps your system in tip-top condition
- Check Your Air Filters At Least Once Every Two Months: If the filter is not cleaned, the HVAC system will have to strain heat and cool the rest of the house. This will translate to higher energy consumption and ultimately, a less efficient system. Clean and repair your filters every couple of months to prevent this issue from occurring.
- Keep Your System Clean: You should also clean the condensers, vents, and evaporators at least once every year. A dirty condenser can increase your power consumption by up to 30%. Always remember to clear the debris near the system after servicing it. This will ensure that condensers, vents, evaporators, filters, and registers do not suck it right back and render the entire process moot.
- Plan Your Maintenance before the Main Seasons: You ought to plan your HVAC preventative maintenance before the season when you need it most. Schedule the maintenance of your heating system in the fall and your cooling system during spring.
Always remember to consult a professional when planning for a new HVAC installation. Rely on A.D. Winston to ensure that you get the best out of your system before cold weather strikes.