A Guide For Choosing an HVAC System

Most homeowners do not know what to do when their HVAC systems break down. Instead, they simply accept whatever recommendations that are made by contractors regardless of how expensive the new HVAC system might be or whether it is right for the home. It is always useful to have some basic knowledge of how HVAC systems work, that is:

• What are the best brands
• How to go about choosing the right make and model for your house

This guide will offer advice on what important factors you should consider when choosing the best HVAC system for your business or home. This way you will be able to make an informed decision when the time comes.

Different Types of HVAC Systems

Different types of HVAC systems exist and before buying one, you will need to determine which one fits your needs. For instance, you will need to consider if you want to upgrade to a more efficient model or buy the same model you had before. If you opt to upgrade to a more efficient model, it might mean that you will need to have extensive installation work done. For instance, if you have an old boiler unit and would like to install a forced air system, you will need to have extensive ductwork done throughout the entire building.

Radiators

Radiators, also known as boilers, provide heat for your home by heating water which then travels along a series of tubes and pipes radiating heat within your house. You can control how hot a house becomes by controlling the temperature of the water. Radiators can use a variety of fuel to operate including:

• Heating oil
• Natural gas
• Corn

Even though they are efficient they are incompatible with central air conditioner ducts so separate ductwork would need to be installed.

Forced Air Systems

These systems use different types of fuel in order to operate including; natural gas, corn, and oil. These systems burn the fuel then circulate the heated air through vents and ductwork using fans. Unlike boiler systems, they are compatible with central air units’ ductwork.

Heat Pumps such as 5 TON 16 SEER TWO STAGE GOODMAN HEAT PUMP

Heat pumps usually act as add-ons to already installed systems. Their operation consists of heat transference from one point to another. They are best known for increasing the efficiency of an existing system.

HVAC Size

When considering to install an HVAC system you need to consider the size of the unit you will need. If you install a system that is too small, you will exert unnecessary strain on it. An oversized HVAC system on the other hand will prove to be very expensive for you to maintain. Before settling for an HVAC system you will need to perform a load calculation to determine the optimum size for your home’s HVAC unit. By choosing a system that is the ideal size, you will have decreased maintenance costs as well as reduced utility in the long term.

Efficiency Matters

Even though the size of the HVAC unit you end up choosing matters a lot, the unit’s efficiency matters even more. When choosing different HVAC systems, you will need to choose between standard efficiency and high efficiency systems. Standard efficiency models might be cheaper to buy, however, they are more expensive to run and maintain in the long term.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

The SEER rating is an efficiency rating that indicates how efficient cooling units and central air conditioning systems are. HVAC units with a SEER rating above 14 are normally considered to have high efficiency.

Energy Star Certification

If you would like to find out if a cooling system has high efficiency, you should look for the Energy Star logo. This logo usually indicates that a system satisfies the standards of efficiency and performance as set by the Environment Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

Role of Filter

To maintain your unit properly and keep it efficient and functioning, you are required to replace HVAC filters when they are due to be changed. HVAC filters are designed to improve your home’s air quality as well as protect your HVAC unit. When choosing an HVAC system, you want to choose a system based on how efficient its filters are. Since the combination of highly efficient filters and systems leads to savings in the long term while enhancing indoor air quality as well as the unit’s durability, it is wise to choose a brand that is renowned for its efficient filters such as the 2 TON 13 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner Split System. There are times when you will come across HVAC filters with unconventional dimensions. Even though this might limit your options, some manufacturers, can create customized filters for your home system. If you would like to know more about HVAC systems, see the wide variety of HVAC units we have stocked on HVACDirect.com.