Buying a home often means you purchase many things that come inside of it. An HVAC system may be one such item, and it is an important one. After spending some years in the house, the old HVAC system will near its end of days. Shopping for a new HVAC system, however, is not anything like buying a new television. Homeowners have to consider a lot of factors, and even a great deal of research will not answer all of your questions. It could be best to pose a few questions to the HVAC seller and installer so that you can make an informed decision. So, what are some critical questions a first-time HVAC buyer should ask when doing research?
How Much Money Am I Willing to Spend?
Figuring out your available budget must be a top priority when thinking about buying a new HVAC system. Looking over models you cannot afford could be educational, but you would also be directing time away from looking at models you can purchase.
Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of more and less expensive models could provide helpful information. That said, you cannot purchase something you cannot afford, so make sure you know what price range you are working with. Doing so will keep you focused on models within your price range.
That said, you can also look into financing options. If you cannot pay full price for something now, financing may provide a solution. With the right financing deal, you could raise the ceiling on your budget’s purchase price.
Is There a Right Size for My Home?
The short answer is, “yes.” There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all HVAC system. The selected unit must be the right fit for a particular house. That means the system must be the right size. If it is too large, then you will discover it consistently shuts on and off, heating/cooling the room too quickly and restarting soon after shutting off. A system too small for a house will run a long time before turning off. It might even run hours on end. Since it is too small, the unit has to work extra hard to do its job. Do not expect such a system to have a long lifespan.
A professional HVAC technician must look at the measurements of the home before recommending a size. Residents of the Austin, TX, area who are interested in heating and air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance can check out Faught Service Company. Ask about routine service agreements as well.
Are There Specific Features to Look For?
There are several features to consider when thinking about buying a specific HVAC model. Two traits, in particular, are energy efficiency and longevity. Energy efficiency provides a two-fold benefit. Ironically, the double benefit comes from a single result, which is reduced waste. An efficient system does not waste energy, which cuts down on the costs associated with heating or cooling a house. Homeowners do need to give an HVAC system some support to save energy. Better insulating a property and staying on top of regular maintenance helps to boost efficiency.
The other benefit is better efficiency allows a homeowner to protect the environment. Energy waste does not support any “green” attitudes. If you are environmentally conscious, try to buy the most efficient HVAC unit available.
Anyone who wishes to know how energy-efficient an HVAC unit is can check the ENERGY STAR rating. This rating tells a lot about how well the model utilizes gas and electricity.
Longevity refers to an HVAC unit that is built to last. Some models may only last 10 years, while others could stay operational for 15 or more. A system that lasts longer may be preferable to some homeowners. HVAC units built for longevity probably will not suffer from continual maintenance issues. Of course, the homeowner has to take care of the system to make sure it does last many years.
What Kind of Heat Do I Need?
An HVAC furnace could rely on oil, gas, or electricity to generate heat. Several factors contribute to making the right heat source choice, including the geographic climate, size of the home, and more. Discussing options with an HVAC company representative can help you to decide which heat source is best.
A technician at Faught Service Company in Austin can help with inquiries about HVAC systems and estimates. Call us today for more information. Our company’s technicians are NCI-certified and can handle a wide range of jobs. We provide energy management and duct replacement work as well.
