So your old unit has finally given up on you… now what? It has probably been a while since you went shopping for a new air conditioner or furnace (or maybe you’ve never had to!) and technology has changed since then. There are so many new options related to energy efficiency, and some new features you can choose as well. With so much to choose from, it’s important you make the right choice and make a smart investment for your home comfort. Here are just a few things to consider when shopping around for a new HVAC system…
Efficiency
Always opt for an Energy Star-approved unit. Check SEER, HSPF, AFUE, and EER ratings to ensure you’re choosing the most efficient unit within your budget.
Size
Make sure you’re picking the right size unit for your home. A larger unit isn’t always better, especially with a small home, because it will end up working harder than it has to to keep your home comfortable. You might think that a larger unit would be advantageous for any size property because it has greater capacity, but it will actually end up turning on and off much more frequently than it should and inevitably wear out the unit.
Quality
Do some research on the best AC unit and furnace brands out there. The best brands not only use quality materials and manufacturing techniques, but they typically offer the best warranties on their units. By simply Googling the best AC or furnace brands, you can get a head start on seeing which are the most commonly used brands and dive into customer reviews from there. You could also just give Jennings Heating and Cooling a call to see what we recommend!
Features
Think about any special features you want, like a programmable thermostat or variable speed blowers, that will help you stay more comfortable and save money in the long run.
Thermostats have come a long way in the last 10 years, and programmable thermostats have become very popular. A programmable thermostat is a feature that will help save you a ton of money by being able to set timers for when the AC or heat turns on and off—or even by controlling the temperature from your smartphone!
Cost
Every buyer is likely to have a budget that they have to stick within. But choosing a unit because of a low price tag may not be the best decision when it comes to lifetime value of the unit. You might pay less upfront for a cheaper unit, but you will likely spend more money on repairs and need a new unit sooner than if you opt for a more expensive, higher quality unit.
Assess Your HVAC Options
Do you suspect it’s time for a new HVAC system? The team at Jennings Heating and Cooling can help you choose the right unit for your home and your budget. Contact us today to learn more about the units we offer or to request an appointment.
