How to Find the Best HVAC Unit for Your Home or Business

This is a guide to help you find the best HVAC system for your home or business. HVAC Direct started business in 2001 by manufacturing spiral ductwork and our company grew from there. We transitioned from a standard commercial representative to one that manufactured all of our ductwork, even on the most complex commercial projects. In 2015 we realized there was a new market developing and decided to launch a new online store to sell HVAC equipment direct to the public.

HVAC Direct: Vision and Mission

Our mission is to provide extremely knowledgeable technical sales help for the online market place to provide the best products for your specific application, not the most expensive. We strive to meet the following general HVAC needs:

• Helping the homeowner replace an existing system
• Assist a manufacturer designing a warehouse ventilation system
• Working with an engineer to design the most demanding commercial application

We provide professional advice on standard and customized HVAC needs anywhere in the U.S.

Our company has more than 150,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space under roof. Our group of companies are dedicated to help you buy direct and save money. We separate ourselves from competition by the professional service we provide. Our main goal is to help our customers get what they need. We are a one-stop shopping service for all residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC products.

Our Customer Service Is Next To None

Our world class customer service experts are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. They make sure all of your HVAC questions are fully answered. We strive to have the best service in the market place because we understand an HVAC system is a major purchase for you. Feel free to call or email our staff with any questions or concerns about products, service, price, or delivery of any air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, or any other HVAC product.

Customer Friendly Shipping Policy

As part of our award winning customer service we provide free shipping to residential or business curbside delivery within the 48 contiguous states. Lift gate service is available for a nominal charge that is subject to availability within your local Freight LTL delivery terminal.

We process and ship orders Monday through Friday. Orders placed by 12 p.m. EST M-F are normally shipped within 1 or 2 business days. Orders placed on weekends start to process and ship as early as the following business day. If we are out of an item you order it will be placed on backorder and shipped upon arrival. We highly recommend you wait to schedule the replacement or installation of our equipment until it arrives to avoid any extra installer costs.

Lift Gate delivery service upon arrival is highly recommended to protect your heating and air conditioning equipment. They are heavy and you want to be careful with them and the people's backs that are unloading them. Inspect each and every item on the pallet to make sure it is accounted for. If anything is missing or incorrect items were shipped, note it on the delivery receipt before signing. Contact our service department within 24 hours to make corrections.

3 Tips That Can Help You Find the Right HVAC System Tip 1 – HVAC Rating Systems

Tip 1 – HVAC Rating Systems

To better understand the HVAC system you should choose you should be aware of the rating methods – AFUE, SEER, and HSPF. Everyone is concerned about fuel and cost efficiency. AFUE is the annual fuel utilization efficiency of a furnace. It is a measure of how efficiently your furnace can utilize its fuel. The more efficient your furnace, the more heat you will get out of it per unit of fuel. Learning how to properly use AFUE is essential when buying a new furnace.

Your home's furnace's AFUE rating is a percentage of how much fuel it can convert into usable heat. For example, a furnace rated at 85 means that 85% of its fuel is converted into usable energy to heat your home. What happens to the other 15%? It is lost or dissipated through the exhaust system.

Different types of fuels combust at different efficiency rates. Their cost also varies a lot. Furnaces and boilers use 5 common types of fuels including – includes AFUE percentage:

• Natural Gas – 55% to 97%
• Electric Heating – 100%
• Fuel Oil – 60% to 89%
• Propane Gas – 55% to 95%
• Fire Wood – 45% to 90%

The more efficient your furnace the more it will cost to purchase and install.

Efficiency is not the same as fuel cost. You must strike a balance between the two when buying your new furnace. Electric heat is 100% efficient but is very expensive and you should consider all of the options. Fuel cost ranges from a low cost of $9.00 for 1 million BTUs (Geothermal) to $36.00 for 1 million BTUs for standard propane. Study your options and go for it! The

The SEER rating of an air conditioner is the cooling output divided by the total electric energy used during the same period of time – generally the cooling season. Choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating means it is more energy efficient. SEER rating is BTU/watt-hours of energy consumption. ACs are usually run by electricity and natural gas is used as a minor fuel. Read the SEER labels on various units from different manufacturers to make your choice. They can be found online. They will be a fair comparison since most units are operated by electricity.

HSPF means heating season performance factor and is used to measure heat pump efficiency. It is the heating equivalent of SEER for furnaces. The higher the HSPF rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. Specifically, it is measured by dividing the heating energy needed for an average heating season by the amount of electricity used during that same period of time. They are provided for the heating portion of a heat pump.

The HSPF ratings of major heat pump manufacturers range from 8.5 to 10.5. The size and rating you need depends on your climate and the square footage of your home. Remember, in general the higher the efficiency rating of the unit the more it will cost upfront. Consult your dealer and look online to narrow your choices.

What's Coming Next in Tip 2

Tip number 2 will be about choosing the price range you can afford for your new HVAC system. You will explore the cost of operating your system including:

• Long-term investment efficiency
• Utility cost of operating the system
• Maintenance and cleaning
• Repairs – parts and labor
• Comparison of units/systems

You don't want to miss this next tip. It will provide additional information to help make the right choice for your new HVAC system.

Tip 2 – Things to Consider When Purchasing your Unit

You may or may not have purchased a new HVAC system before for a new home or an existing one. For many people this is a monumental decision because there are several types of systems on the market and so many different models. Follow the tips in this guide and your will pick the right one for your needs. We've previously discussed efficiency in units; now we will look at:

• Price: The price you pay for the unit, installation, and insulation
• Cost: The cost as a long-term investment
• Utility bills to operate the system
• Maintenance and repairs
• Varying costs of systems
• Saving money in the long run
• Warranties count for something

Take your time in making this decision – you will live with it for a long time.

The Price You Pay Varies with the System

Your initial HVAC system budget will include the price of the unit/system, installation, and insulation. Some companies offer an extended warranty for additional cost. Here you will need to make up your own mind. There may or may not be a delivery charge. Choose at least three different models and add up all of these costs for each one. The price you pay is our first idea.

Think of the cost as a long-term investment spread over the years. If you pay $3,500 dollars for everything, and it has a life expectancy of 10 years, look at as paying $350 per year. $10,000 will be pro-rated at $1,000 per year. The size of your home plays a major role in costs for a quality HVAC system and its installation.

Utility bills to operate the systems must be accounted for. Natural or propane gas and electric bills vary with the system you buy and the total monthly usage. Don't confuse energy efficiency of the system with the cost of operating it. You may have the same efficiency rating as another person in another state. Since the utility rates vary, your monthly operating cost may be more or less. You are fortunate if your area has wind or solar power to lower electric bills.

Maintenance and repairs

Buy a quality unit and maintenance and repairs should be less. Pay a little more for a high efficiency and durable HVAC system and you will never be sorry. One of the simplest ways to keep repair costs down is to change or clean the filters on a regular basis. Before calling the repair technician check the thermostat to make sure it is in the right mode, you have it set for the desired temperature, and the batteries are good. These types of costs vary a lot from hundreds on up. Purchasing a maintenance contract will lower your annual costs.

Saving Money In the Long Run

You may be able to recoup your original cost in a matter of years. You can save in these ways:

• Utility savings – electricity and gas
• Few, if any, repair costs
• Minimal maintenance costs
• Warranties pay for many expenses

A solid warranty is worth its weight in gold. Buy a system with a good warranty that covers all the basics and extends for a reasonable amount of time and you have a winner.

What Lies Ahead – Tip 3

The climate you live in plays a major role in choosing the type of unit or system you will purchase. What is your climate like? Is it hot, humid, cool or arid? Do your winters get really cold or are they mild? Heat pumps are ideal for warmer climates while a furnace works well in any colder area of the country. We will go into the ideal type of HVAC system for your area.

Tip 3 – Your Climate and the Source of Heat

To reach maximum energy efficiency and comfort you should match your HVAC system to the climate and the source of fuel. In general a split furnace and air conditioning systems works best in colder climates. A heat pump is a good choice in warmer climates like the South, Southeast and Southwest where the winters stay above freezing.

When a Furnace Is a Good Choice

A natural gas furnace is a good choice when the winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing. This is common in the Northwest, Plains states, Great Lakes area, and the Northeast. New gas furnaces have an AFUE rating that ranges from 80% to 98% plus. The higher the AFUE the more energy efficient it will be. Higher efficiency also means a more expensive furnace. It is a trade off between cost of the furnace equipment and the cost of the gas bill.

Loss of heat and efficiency must be taken into account. Common losses include:

• Poorly insulated duct work
• Holes in duct work caused by rodents
• Air leaks in duct work and around pipes
• Insufficient R-value in the insulation
• Lack of radiant barriers in the attic

Before you invest in a new furnace or heat pump you need a reputable HVAC technician to conduct an energy audit to see if you have any of the above problems. Correct any of them to increase your home's heating and cooling efficiency.

Installing a gas furnace typically calls for an air conditioning condenser/compressor outside the home. Place it in a shaded area when possible. If this can't be done build a frame around it with a top. Be sure the unit gets plenty of air circulation. Keep it clean year round by blowing or washing out the dust, leaves, and other debris to keep it running efficiently. Your can expect a gas furnace/air conditioning system to last at least 15 years.

When a Heat Pump Makes a Good System

Heat pumps make a great heating and cooling system in warmer climates like those already mentioned. Heat pumps run too often in colder climates and lose efficiency. Too much cycling (turning on and off) causes excessive wear on the equipment.

How does a heat pump work? It is engineered to remove heat from outside air and send it into your home to heat it in colder weather. It works the same as an air conditioner in hot weather by removing heat from your home and sending it outside. Ingenious? You bet.

Heat pumps act as heating and air conditioning units all in one instead of two different units. Typically, heat pumps cost less to operate than gas furnaces. A furnace combined with a heat pump is excessive in warm climates. Heat pumps tend to have a shorter life span than furnaces because they run year round as one unit.

Heat pumps operate by electricity and are potentially less dangerous than a gas furnace. They also run cleaner than gas units. Air source heat pumps can also be used as a water heater. As you can see, the climate you live in is a deciding factor in your selection of HVAC Systems.

4 HVAC Systems That Can Improve the Quality of Life in Your Home

Having a comfortable home with clear air makes living there a pleasure. Perfect cooling in hot weather and heating in cold weather can be achieved with a quality and efficient HVAC system that is sized right for your home and installed properly. Let’s look at four brands that will do the job efficiently and economically no matter where you live.

We Want Goodman

As a leading brand, Goodman HVAC systems carry the best warranties in the business. Most of their HVAC systems consist of a natural gas furnace and air conditioner. The capacities of their units for cooling and heating include:

¨      1.5 ton to 5.0 ton

¨      13 to 16 SEER

¨      80%  to 96% AFUE efficiency

¨      40,000 to 120,000 BTU

This is a wide range from which to choose. There is a model and size for any large or small home. You also have a choice of three burner stages: Single, two, and modulating.

Additional features include single and two stage compressor stages. You have a choice of multi speed, multi speed high efficiency and variable speed blower motors. Dedicated downflow, horizontal and upflow system configurations are other features that give what you need. Tip: With all of these choices you need to have a professional HVAC installer analyze your needs.

If you shop around you can find fantastic deals on Goodman equipment online. You can get wholesale prices and free shipping on many models. Online dealers typically have a large selection from which to choose and satisfy your needs.

Airquest by Carrier for Split Systems

Another great choice for your home is the Carrier Airquest split system. A split system delivers dependable and efficient service inside and out. A split system works with an outdoor air conditioner and an inside heat pump. They are ideal for moderate climates that seldom go below 25 degrees F. They are easy and fast to install. Carrier is known for exceptional quality.

The following specifications and features are available with Carrier Airquest.

¨      5 Ton

¨      15 SEER

¨      96% AFUE

¨      120,00 BTU

These models are heavy duty work horses that can handle the biggest HVAC jobs. Split systems have advantages over conventional HVAC systems that include:

¨      Less energy and heat loss

¨      Less cooling loss

¨      Targeted areas

¨      Less expensive to install

There are no huge ducts to leak and lose heating and cooling. You can target certain rooms to heat and cool instead of the whole house. There are fewer parts to install; thus less expense.

Carrier air conditioning systems are among the best on the market. You can’t go wrong with an Airquest split system. They bring value and efficiency into your home.

 

Mitsubishi for Mini-splits

Mitsubishi is a global leader in heat pump mini-split HVAC systems. Their units are known for being innovative and energy intelligent for residential, commercial and industrial use. Their mini-split systems provide many years of comfort while achieving energy efficiency and reduced utility bills. There is a size for any size home.

Mitsubishi mini-splits come in 5 models that cover 1 to 5 different zones or room areas:

¨      Single Zone

¨      Dual Zone

¨      Tri Zone

¨      Quad Zone

¨      5 Zone

A single zone may be sufficient for two rooms or one larger than average area. These models come in three types: ceiling cassette, concealed duct, floor mounted, multi-positional and wall mounted. Check with an HVAC professional for advice.

 

The features and specifications available for these units include:

¨      14.5 – 33.0 SEER

¨      0.5 – 3.5 Tonnage

¨      6,000 – 45,000 BTU

Mitsubishi mini-split systems will please you with their effective performance and worry-free warranties. They are innovative with features to fit any size home. Couple any of these systems with the best thermostat you can afford. Programmable thermostats that coordinate with digital devices like mobile phones make ideal companions to your system.

 

Perfect Aire for DIY Mini-splits

If you are a do-it-yourself person and want a quality mini-split system you should consider Perfect Aire. These air conditioners and heat pumps are at the forefront of what modern, flexible manufacturing can produce. They are known for delivering high efficiency air comfort in any room of a home.                                                                                                                             

Take a look at their specifications and features that are currently available:

¨      Dual Zone Mini-Split Systems

¨      Tri Zone Mini-Split Systems

¨      Quad Zone Mini-Split Systems

¨      Perfect Aire PTA C Systems

¨      115 and 230 Volt Systems

¨      16 – 22.5 SEER

¨      9,000 – 48,000 BTU

¨      0.75 – 3 Tonnage

These features should cover any home situation. You can get wall mounted, floor mounted, ceiling cassette, concealed duct and multi-positional units. Check with your HVAC product dealer and installer for the combination that best meets your needs.

Perfect Aire also produces packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) for specialized use in the following types of applications:

¨      Hotels and Motels

¨      Hospitals

¨      Condominiums

¨      Home Additions

¨      Senior Housing

¨      Apartments

These units are commercial grade and self contained. They are installed through a wall and provide both heating and cooling. You have probably seen one of them in a motel. They can be used for both new construction and replacing old PTAV units.

Any of these HVAC units can be installed by the homeowner with some basic carpentry and electrical skills. Check with you city for any permits or building codes that must be met. Perfect Aire equipment is top of the line and comes with great warranties.

 

Summary of HVAC Systems

Any of these brands and models works perfectly for a new home or replacing an old system in your existing home. They not only heat and cool, they help control the humidity and air quality much better than older systems. Reduce energy consumption and cost with any of these units.

Planning and research will help you find the units that meet your needs. Make sure you get the right size – not too small or too large for efficiency and affordable energy bills. Find the best installer your can afford to help ensure a perfect working system.

How to Pick the Right Residential HVAC Equipment

Selecting the right HVAC equipment for a home should not be taken lightly. The homeowner needs to seek the advice of a reputable HVAC contractor and dealer to make the best choice. Choosing a system that is too large or too small is not energy and cost efficient.

 

Professional Installer

Most HVAC authorities say that having the equipment installed correctly is just as important as choosing the right type of system. Make sure the contractor you choose is familiar with the brand and model of the equipment you plan to use.

 

HVAC Rating Systems

You need to choose the most efficient HVAC system you can afford. Become aware of the rating methods – AFUE, SEER, and HSPF when making your choice. AFUE is the annual fuel utilization efficiency of a furnace. The SEER rating of an air conditioner is the cooling output divided by the total electric energy used during the same period of time – generally the cooling season.

HSPF means heating season performance factor and is used to measure heat pump efficiency.

Your dealer and contractor will help you make the right choices of efficiency ratings

 

Unit Size

Get a professional HVAC contractor to perform a load calculation for your home. This is a critical test because it takes into consideration all of the factors most homeowners don’t understand. This is the most accurate way of determining the right size unit for your home. Equipment that is too large or too small is a waste of money.

 

Type of System Furnace/AC or Heat Pump

The choice of home systems typically includes the 4 most common types of equipment:

• Single stage furnace
• Two stage furnace
• Variable speed furnace
• Heat Pump

Consult with your HVAC professional because each type of system has its own benefits, costs, and efficiency ratings. Shop around for brands and models that are cost efficient.

 

Climate and Source of Heat

Your climate and source of heat are two additional factors to consider when buying new equipment. Natural gas furnaces work best in colder climates. Heat pumps are more efficient in milder climates. Electric and gas rates in your area will narrow down the choice. If electric rates are high, use a gas furnace instead of an electric unit.

 

System Cost

The overall and long-term cost of new HVAC equipment includes a number of factors – not just the original price you pay for it . You will incur an installation charge and possibly more insulation. Think of the purchase as a long-term investment. How much will utility bills cost? Will repairs and maintenance be minimal? Is the warranty rock solid? Take a strong look at your budget to see if you need to take out a low cost loan. It may be worth it in the long run.

 

Take your time in making this decision – you will live with it for a long time. The main thing to remember is don’t make the decision alone. Your HVAC dealer and contractor are your best allies and can save your budget from taking a large hit.

Ventilation Systems That Are Best for Industrial Use

 

Ventilation systems are major ways to remove contaminants in the air that can affect workers and the workplace. In many industries employees are exposed to toxins, inflammable vapors, smoke, condensation, or odors that can be harmful or potentially lethal. Ventilation is used to move these issues from the working area to another place and replace them with clean air.

 

A number of ventilation systems are used in today workplaces. The most expensive method is building ductwork throughout the area and sucking the “bad” air out of the area through them with a motorized suction system. Viable alternatives are less expensive to create and install. They can be used in a permanent position or used as a mobile system. They include:

• Ductwork
• In-line
• Wall Exhaust
• Wall Supply
• Wall Reversible Fans
• Interior Fans
• Centrifugal Fans
• Upblast Fans

Each of these systems needs to be examined closely to find the right one for your business.

 

Ductwork

Good ductwork is made from sturdy metal pipes that fit together snugly. The two most common are snap-lock and spiral pipe. Run the ductwork into the areas where the airborne particles are located and connect the end to an exhaust system. This is an effective system when the air issues are concentrated in a small area in each room. Vents can be installed in multiple rooms.

 

In-line Fans

Another effective exhaust system is to place an inline fan or inline centrifugal fan in the ductwork to keep the air flowing from end to end. This is especially important when the ductwork is long.

 

Wall Exhaust and Wall Supply

Belt drive and direct drive exhaust fans can be mounted in a hole in the wall. They act like a vacuum cleaner that pulls air instead of dust and dirt out of a room. They are effective in pulling air from the entire room. A wall supply fan is good when you want to blow in fresh air.

 

Wall Reversible Fans

A belt drive or direct drive reversible fan can be set to either pull air out of an area or blow air into the area. They are versatile piece of equipment with many applications.

 

Interior Fans

These fans come in three common forms to move air:

• Portable fans are versatile because they can be moved from room to room
• Ceiling fans provide a constant flow of air at different speeds
• Pole fans also provide constant air flow at different speeds

They are used primarily to cool down an area. Ceiling and pole fans can be reversed for winter use by pushing warm air down to the floor area. A portable fan can be used to some extent as an exhaust fan.

 

Centrifugal Fans

These fans are commonly used in industrial installation because they increase the speed and volume of air with rotating impellers. They have round housing and remind us of a hamster cage because of the way the impellers are arranged in a circular fashion. They displace air radially. They tend to be sturdy, quiet, reliable, and versatile.

 

Upblast Fans

An upblast fan removes air vertically instead of horizontally. They may also replace contaminated air with clean air. They are commonly used in facilities that make food products.

 

This overview has presented a number of ventilation systems in general use. Do some more research to determine which one or ones are commonly and effectively used in your industry. Choose the right horsepower, blade diameter, and air flow speed. You may want to visit a business similar to yours and learn more about each system’s pros and cons. Tip: Buy the best ventilation system you can afford and only let a professional install it.

 

How to Pick the Right Heating System for Industrial Use

 

Choosing the right heating system for your factory, plant, warehouse, or industrial complex is significantly important, especially for those businesses in colder climates. A good heating system must provide adequate heat at different temperatures in different areas within the complex. Employees working in offices need a different level than those working in the shop. People working where doors are opening and closing throughout the day have special needs.

 

Keeping the work area adequately heated and cooled makes employees happier, more productive, and less apt to be absent from work. One study shows this can increase worker productivity up to 25%. If your current system is not up to par it’s time to improve it.

 

Getting Started

Choose a reliable HVAC company with a proven track record for industrial installation. Ask for a technician (not a sales person) to visit your site, take measurements, and list factors affecting the type and size of heating systems available that would meet your needs. Drawings and estimates for material and labor will be generated and presented for your approval.

 

 

System Options

One of the most popular heating systems for industrial application is natural gas forced-air. Ductwork will be located at proper heights in the ceilings in strategic locations. This type of system is similar to those commonly found in homes.

 

Thermostats can be placed throughout the complex to control temperatures at different settings. Each work area may have its own heating and cooling needs. This is more efficient and will save energy and money. Natural gas forced-air is a good all around choice for any plant.

 

Another popular system uses high intensity infrared heaters. They are a dependable and affordable source of supplemental heat. Instead of investing in a totally new system you can add infrared heaters at a much lower cost – hundreds instead of thousands.

 

Consult with an industrial HVAC contractor instead of a residential contractor to get the best results. Select a brand and model that is the right size and puts out adequate BTUs for your industrial needs.